Press Release
Rochester, NY – December 18, 2024 – Eoptic, Inc., a leader in advanced imaging and optics systems integration, has been awarded a $1.25 million Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF). The contract expands the development of Eoptic’s innovative Fast Optically Verified Event Array (FOVEA) system, designed to passively detect and characterize the rapidly increasing threat posed by small unmanned aerial systems (sUAVs) to military operations and critical infrastructure.
The proliferation of sUAVs presents significant risks to secure military installations and operations, where these systems can be used for surveillance and intelligence gathering, contraband delivery, or even direct attacks—especially if deployed in high numbers. The DAF is actively seeking advanced countermeasure solutions to detect, identify and neutralize these rapidly growing threats, while maintaining operational freedom and security.
Eoptic’s passive FOVEA system offers a groundbreaking solution to the growing challenge of small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV) detection. By integrating biologically inspired detection techniques with cutting-edge optical technology, FOVEA uses an array of highly sensitive "super-receptors" modeled after human and avian vision systems. These receptors enable the system to detect even the most subtle changes in the aerial environment, allowing for early identification of sUAVs from long stand-off distances. Crucially, FOVEA operates passively, without emitting detectable radio frequency (RF) signals, which reduces the risk of detection by adversaries and enhances the security of sensitive operations.
Additionally, FOVEA’s passive operation and advanced object characterization and classification techniques significantly reduce false-positive detections, ensuring the security of critical operational resources in cluttered and contested airspaces. Designed to enhance situational awareness in environments where both effectiveness and discretion are essential, FOVEA is particularly suited for agile combat employments (ACE) and other high-stakes scenarios.
“Eoptic is proud to support the U.S. Air Force in meeting its growing CUAS needs,” said Pano Spiliotis, CEO of Eoptic, Inc. “FOVEA represents a significant leap forward in optical detection technology, providing enhanced capability to identify and mitigate sUAV threats while maintaining operational security in a passive manner.”
“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.”
About Eoptic
Eoptic is a leader in advanced imaging and optical systems, delivering multispectral and digital solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. Based in Rochester, NY, Eoptic integrates cutting-edge optical technologies to address today’s most complex challenges, from design to full-scale deployment. For more information, visit www.eoptic.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 global operations, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian, and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites, executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
Media Contact
Elise Hemink, Director of Marketing
Tel: (585) 441-0728
Eoptic, Inc., 350 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604
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