The optics consist of an off-axis, f/3, 27 mm aperture diameter Paul Baker telescope and a Schmidt double pass prism spectrometer. The detector is an InSb area array cooled to 65 K by a mechanical cooler.

A strip on the ground, as defined by the spectrometer slit, is imaged in 210 spectral bands. For each band a scene image is built up line by line in a pushbroom scan by the forward motion of the aircraft.

The optics/detector assembly is mounted on a three-axis stabilized platform to compensate for aircraft attitude and environmental disturbances. The flight electronics subsystem controls the imager and collects the image data. A tape recorder stores scene, calibration, diagnostic, flight support, and housekeeping data. Completing the HYDICE system are a ground data processing station and a calibration system.

Operational Features Reliable/turnkey operation Rapidly accessable, quality data Precise co-registration of spectral bands High SNR over entire spectral range Very low (generally <3%) sensitivity to polarization (no beamsplitters used) High dynamic range Simultaneous integration for all pixels High radiometric accuracy on-board calibration source Flexibility of operations (variable altitude, speed, integration and frame time) Applications Agriculture (crop analysis, pest control) Forestry (inventory, reforestation) Environmental (toxic waste, soil conservation) Mapping (bathymetry, wetlands) Disaster Management Law Enforcement (counter-narcotics) Military (surveillance)