Headwall Photonics has introduced a new, powerful data processing unit specifically designed for UAV airborne applications requiring sensor fusion.

The small size and weight of HyperCore combined with its powerful data processing and high capacity storage connections offers the industry's only processing platform for fusing hyperspectral sensing data with many other sensor payloads on the aircraft.

Utilizing Hyperspec III, Headwall's powerful spectral imaging application software, HyperCore serves as the central connection point for remote-sensing instruments such as multiple hyperspectral sensors, LiDAR, thermal cameras, RGB instruments, GPS/IMU units, and many more.

Designed for harsh airborne environments and only the size and weight of a Rubik's Cube, HyperCore stores 500GB of incoming airborne data and features two Gigabit Ethernet connections, one base CameraLink connection, and a multi-purpose I/O port to handle GPS/INS, sensor commands, etc.

Depending on the instruments being connected, Headwall supplies HyperCore with the necessary Hyperspec III software modules to provide a comprehensive operational platform. HyperCore is the industry's first true data processing hub specifically designed for use aboard today's small and light UAVs.

"Headwall leads the industry in developing hardware and software solutions for remote sensing applications," said CEO David Bannon. "The convergence of small UAVs and the need for different but complementary instruments such as LiDAR, GPS, thermal, and others led us to develop a single point of fusion for the data streams from each instrument."

HyperCore puts a focus on managing and synthesizing the data streams that are so crucial for developing imagery in remote sensing applications. "A precision agriculturalist wants to know if there is an invasive disease posing a threat to his crops," continued Bannon.

"HyperCore gives the user community a processing solution for managing those data streams in a small and light UAV-friendly package." The product weighs only 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg), measures 3.5" x 3.0" x 3.0", and draws only 12W. It is designed to work with Headwall's Hyperspec family of sensors, plus a wide range of instruments by notable third-party vendors.