Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.

Oil Spill Cleanup and Response

When you’re responding to an oil spill, it's crucial to have clear answers: Where is the spill located? What is the extent of the spill? And, equally important, how can you quickly and effectively communicate this information to your cleanup team?

OSCAR in Use

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The Power of Polarization for Oil Spill Detection

In October 2020, OSCAR was used to detect oil patties on a beach in Delaware after an oil slick of unknown origin. Polaris’ eTherm imagery highlights the oil patties in red, making cleanup significantly faster.

OSCAR Overview

Streamlined Detection and Reporting

Encased within a stable housing, the OSCAR payload uses advanced polarized long-wave infrared (LWIR) technology to detect liquid petrochemicals.

Once a spill is identified, reports are effortlessly generated with a single button press. Upon landing, these reports are instantly transmitted to the Command Center, enabling faster response times.

Advanced Oil Detection

Efficient Processing

A built-in processing unit makes data processing seamless and efficient, ensuring OSCAR performs optimally on different aircraft types.

Superior Imaging

OSCAR excels in imaging with full-resolution visible and polarized imagery. Its Pyxis® Polarized LWIR Infrared Sensor, featuring optical zoom, ensures precise detection for accurate identification of liquid petrochemicals.

Comprehensive Visibility

A 3D sensor ball integrated on a stabilized gimbal ensures comprehensive visibility. This setup enhances the sensor system's versatility and stability, improving detection accuracy in various environments.

Versatility Across Aircraft

OSCAR's interoperability with multiple aircraft types offers flexibility and adaptability. This allows for easy integration with various aircraft platforms, ensuring versatile deployment and mission adaptability.

Comprehensive, Real-Time Reporting

Automated Data Processing

OSCAR is equipped with an independent onboard computer that automates the processing, dissemination, and generation of imagery reports.

Customizable Reporting

OSCAR allows customers to specify their requirements, generating visible and polarized imagery reports tailored to individual needs.

Comprehensive Data Inclusion

OSCAR includes crucial data elements like GPS coordinates, GPS heading, time stamp, altitude, and operator information. This provides a holistic view of the operational context, enhancing the value of the captured imagery.

OSCAR Partners

"As a force multiplier on the Broadkill Beach spill, OSCAR was able to “clear” HUGE areas in hours that we would have had to assign 40 to 60 personnel for 1 to 2 weeks to search through."
-Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer
Do you need to detect spilled oil? See if OSCAR is right for your application.

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Technical Specifications

Primary On-Board SensorPyxis w/ 40mm lens (7.5 Hzframe rate) 25-105mmlens
Secondary On-Board SensorVisible (Electro-Optical)
Zoom ControlControlled through PilotCommand
Inertial Measurement UnitIntegrated
Onboard ProcessorIntegrated
Onboard MemoryUSB Flash

OSCAR in Action

When it’s your job to clean up after an oil spill, OSCAR helps you accurately detect oil on water or land and quickly mobilize your team.

Oil Spill and Response
LOGO-POLARIS-WHITE-H
  • Initial Detection
  • Damage Assessment
  • Shoreline Monitoring
  • Dispersant Effectiveness
  • Mechanical Cleanup Effectiveness
Search and Rescue Operations
LOGO-POLARIS-WHITE-H
  • Detects Spilled Fuel

Resources & FAQ

OSCARTM

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OSCAR Flyer

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OSCAR Brochure

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OSCAR stands for Oil-Spill-Cleanup-and-Response. It is an unmanned aircraft payload designed to address crucial aspects of oil spill incidents, including locating the spill, assessing its extent, and efficiently sharing data with response teams.

OSCAR is equipped with Pyxis, which uses advanced polarized long-wave infrared (LWIR) technology to detect liquid petrochemicals on water or land.

Once a spill is detected, OSCAR generates reports with a single button press. These reports are ready to be sent to the command center upon landing, which enables quick response delegation.

Yes, OSCAR is designed for interoperability across multiple aircraft types, providing flexibility and adaptability for seamless integration with various platforms.

OSCAR reports include visible image, polarized image, GPS coordinates, GPS heading, time stamp, altitude, a notes section, and operator information. This customizable reporting ensures relevant and comprehensive data.

Yes, OSCAR’s fully integrated system, housed in a stabilized unit, ensures optimal performance even in challenging conditions, allowing for reliable operation during oil spill response efforts.

OSCAR’s automated data processing, seamless report generation, and swift transmission to the command center contribute to faster response times by streamlining information flow during oil spill incidents.

OSCAR stands out with its combination of advanced technology, including the Pyxis polarized LWIR infrared sensor, autonomous processing unit, and versatile deployment capabilities, making it a comprehensive and efficient solution for oil spill response.

Your Mission is Our Mission

Polaris is here to help you solve challenging problems with cutting-edge technology. We will design, develop, and manufacture the solution you need to complete your mission.

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