ADVANCED SUBMINIATURE TELEMETRY: A NEXT GENERATION INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM

Abstract

In performing its mission, the Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office (AFSEO) conducts a wide variety of tests with heavy emphasis on open-air flight tests. As budget pressures drive a reduction in the number of test sorties, maximizing the amount of quality data from each flight test is of paramount importance. This paper describes an AFSEO effort to develop a low cost, intelligent, subminiature telemetry and sensor system based on modern commercial wireless technologies. The instrumentation system is completely self-contained and can be externally mounted, thus eliminating the requirement for extensive aircraft modifications and minimizing the need for specially instrumented test aircraft. The system will make maximum use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components to reduce cost and insure availability. MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) technology will be incorporated as the technology matures.