High-Altitude Optical Reconnaissance Unit & Sensors (HORUS)

The Government is seeking a prototype solution for an electro-optical (EO) system to covertly detect, recognize, and identify targets of interest in near real time from high altitude, long slant range reconnaissance platforms. Extremely long range imagery will enable discreet surveillance and superior situational awareness to the Warfighter. The long range imaging capability will reduce the risk of aircraft detection by ground targets and frees up airspace in the target vicinity. The primary objective is to achieve very high National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS) imagery from a high altitude, long range platform with a 15/20-inch class EO turret. This effort includes the development, ground testing, and Continental United States (CONUS) flight testing of two prototype systems for use in stratospheric glider and balloon applications. The sensor system will behave as a satellite surrogate and provide satellite quality imagery to field commanders’ demand where satellite cueing is not optional.

11/15/2018: Request for White Papers Released

11/29/2018: White Papers Due
03/13/2019:  Solution Selected
04/02/2019: Request for Proposal Released
06/26/2019: Proposal Submitted
07/29/2019: Awarded