Patent ID: 6979119

Claim:
A sensor system comprising a structure affixed to an aircraft in a forward facing orientation, wherein the structure affixed to the aircraft includes: a sensor housing having an exterior wall with a window-support region having an outwardly facing external face, wherein the window-support region of the exterior wall comprises a segment of a mounting flange adapted to attach the remainder of the sensor unit to the aircraft, and a window through the window-support region of the exterior wall and affixed to the exterior wall; a sensor unit contained within the sensor housing and receiving an input signal through the window, wherein the sensor unit comprises an infrared sensor, and a cryocooler that cools the sensor; and a thermal-insulation layer affixed to the external face of the window-support region of the exterior wall at a location immediately adjacent to the window, wherein the thermal-insulation layer is a stand-alone piece of an insulating material affixed to the external face of the window-support region with an adhesive layer.