Group : Optronic Systems
Status : Active
Also Known As : Airborne Standoff Minefield Detection System, Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Northrop Grumman
Total Production : ?

Northop-Grumman's Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System, formerly known as the Airborne Standoff Minefield Detection System, (ASTAMIDS) is a state-of-the-art sensor developed for the US Army Future Combat Systems (FCS) RQ-8B Fire Scout Class IV UAV. The sensor's primary function is to effectively detect minefields in support of highly mobile ground military forces at daylight and night conditions. It uses quad-prism aperture-splitting technology with the aid of an integrated illuminator and target laser rangefinder and designator.

Northrop-Grumman received a $55 million contract for the development of ASTAMIDS. In April 2005, the scope of the ASTAMIDS program was expanded adding reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition (RSTA) and target designation to its counter minefield primary role. The new capabilities development were priced at $26 million. The advanced change-detection algorithm will enable detection of improvised explosive devices and single on-route mines by processing the sensor's imagery.

ASTAMIDS consists of a 75-pound integrated, multi-sensor, electro-optical infrared/multi-spectral imaging payload to detect patterned surface-emplaced mines, patterned recently buried mines and randomly scattered mines. The expanded capabilities will enable the payload to detect obstacles, combat vehicles, camouflaged targets and other combat targets. The ASTAMIDS sensor is expected to be so flexible that only a lens modification will enable it to operate at higher altitudes.