Aurora, SRI International Sarnoff Integrate On-Board Video Processing into Skate UAS

By Stephanie Levy

22 October 2012

Aurora Flight Sciences and SRI International Sarnoff announced the integration of the SRI Sarnoff DL Micro digital data link and video processor onto Aurora's Skate small unmanned aerial system, which will allow for real-time delivery of video from the SUAS.



The DL Micro system weight 46 gram and consumes 5.8 watts of energy during transmission. According to the company, electronic image stabilization combined with H.264 encoding gives the DL Micro digital data link specific advantages. The Skate UAS will use the DL Micro at altitudes of up to 13,000 feet.



In a joint statement, the companies said the DL Micro system on board the Skate UAS could be critical for military and law enforcement, where onboard cameras deliver intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for pop-up and fleeting threats. Image stabilization on board the aircraft enhances the mission by improving video smoothness, quality and compression.