Award

Phase 1 develops an innovative approach for 3D course navigation utilizing LPI RF transponder tags with a direction finding and location coupled to a low-cost MEMS IMU and digital compass. The ERI personal navigation system can be integrated in a smallhandheld unit with graphic display and user controls to guide a Future Combat Scout/Objective Force Warrior soldier, robot or unmanned ground vehicle. The system will trace/retrace a path through caves, forests, minefield, tunnels and urban areas. The ERIpersonal navigation system can supplement GPS referencing by integrating an inertial navigator, and a dead reckoning waypoint relative navigation system with electronic breadcrumb reference markers to blaze a trail. The markers and stored data can be usedby any number of soldiers to find and follow the path or retrace the path in reverse. The project develops an alternate navigation solution to GPS to increase performance, effectiveness and survivability for the soldier, and return him to home base.