Inactive
Notice ID:FA8730-21-R-0002
The Enhanced Regional Situational Awareness (ERSA) system provides the National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS) with “eyes on” video of aircraft in the NCR through a network of...
The Enhanced Regional Situational Awareness (ERSA) system provides the National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS) with “eyes on” video of aircraft in the NCR through a network of visual and infrared cameras. The ERSA system is a collective suite of lasers, Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) Sensors, connecting networks, data correlation, applications, decision support tools, and operator displays. The specific mission of the lasers is to generate a visual warning signal visible to aircrew of aircraft that may have entered into controlled airspace in error. The laser system and the red/green pulses of light it develops are mentioned to all aircraft in their approved flight plan if they are to be near the NCR; additionally the laser system is published in FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) for all aircraft. The current system was implemented in 2004 and underwent partial technical refresh in 2012; however, some of the components, including the lasers, are original to the initial fielding. The lasers are collocated and bore sighted to the camera systems. There are currently eight (8) of these systems deployed throughout the NCR. When employed to warn aircraft the laser unit generates laser light on command and that light is routed to a telescope assembly to focus and compress the beam for projection. The telescope units and fiber optic link are still supportable; however, the current laser units are no longer sustainable.