Airborne image acquisition and processing system with variable

Abstract

A static system designed for acquisition and processing of images of an area flown over in several spectral bands, which are variable on request, of the visible or infrared spectrum. The system includes an on-board assembly including a two-dimensional (distance.times.frequency) CCD matrix type photography device (1) suited for acquisition of successive images of strips of ground flown over in one or more spectral bands spread by a dispersion unit, and a processing unit (2) associated with a trajectory and trim determination device (3, 4), allowing selection in real time of images of the site in one or more spectral bands whose respective widths and spectral functions can be changed at will by means of software according to the nature of the phenomena to be analyzed within the scope of the application where it is used, and allowing ready linking up of images shifted by fluctuations of the aircraft trajectory, notably due to roll. The ease of operation and of adjustment thereof is linked with the absence of moving mechanical parts. The system can be used for detection of phenomena such as fires in vegetation areas, climatic events, such as drought, downpour, hail, frost, damage caused by pathogenic agents, insects or birds, for example, or the effects of pollution by hydrocarbons, and similar conditions.