Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems
OBJECTIVE: Develop a Human Type Target (HTT) that increases realism (realistic portrayal of threat, threat escalation, and threat reduction), durability, and usability in the Urban Operations (UO) and Live Fire Training environment. An HTT is a stationary, physical, three dimensional, full body target designed to realistically portray a human being in the training domain.
DESCRIPTION: The primary use case of the HTT would be used in an urban training environment (Shoot Houses, Combined Arms Tactical Training Facilities (CACTFs), etc.). The HTTs however could be deployed in any of the live fire training ranges as defined within Training Circular 25-8. The current human type target system needs to be reset (manually by a person) into the standing position between each engagement. This is a labor and time intensive process given the number of targets utilized in the training environments. The current Stationary Infantry Targets (SITs) require too much area space in the training area to use effectively and safely. Finally, most 3 dimension human-type targets are one piece construction and fall straight down, in an unrealistically manner, when they are engaged. The objectives of the research and development for the HTT are to: • Provide the means to reset to an initial condition from the engaged/dead position when commanded from the control system • Provide accurate hit detection in the lethal, non-lethal, and incapacitating zones • Provide the means to add or redefine the hit detection zones • Provide a system that can withstand the engagement of up to 5000 live fire rounds before needing major component replacement • Provide the means to define and begin from either a standing or sitting/crouching position, to change positions, and the provide a realistic body collapse from the position when engaged • Provide a means to replicate (provide visual cues of) an engagement in a non-lethal area The target must incorporate programmable hits to kill, hit detection capabilities, and hit zone definition. The HTT must be capable of integrating into a control systems. The HTT will be used in a live fire environment and must detect and be durable enough to sustain hits from 5.56mm Ball, Special Effects Small Arms Marking System (SESAM), and Short Range Training Ammunition (SRTA). The HTT must be capable of surviving live fire environments and be constructed from non-ricocheting, non-fragmenting and repairable materials. The HTT should be designed to support a product line ideology, where multiple configurations would be available, depending on the use-case. In addition, the HTT should be capable of the following: • Ability to be scenario driven • Provide two-way audio communication • Ability to add and implement Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) hit sensing (not subject to live fire events) • Ability to add and implement aim-able MILES shoot back (not subject to live fire events) • Execute actions/reactions based on scenario controls (O) • Incorporate the Non-Contact Hit Sensor (NCHS) technology (O) • Support evacuation of mannequin from area (O) • Support basic Combat Life Saver (CLS) actions (O) Requirements with an (O) indicate reach objectives and capabilities desired to be integrated into the system research and development. These additional objective capabilities should help steer the design and technology to support future evolution and future research initiatives.
PHASE I: Study, research, and develop an architectural framework solution. Synchronization of work being completed by RDECOM, PM ITTS, PEO STRI and academia will be required. Determine feasibility of and conduct trade-off study (realism versus durability versus survivability) for material of target mannequin as well as falling and stand-up solutions.
PHASE II: Perform initial capability for hit detection capability by dividing mannequin into lethal and non-lethal zones. Integrate audio communication, MILES hit sensing and shoot back, data connection capabilities, threat awareness, reaction, and scenario capabilities. Continue hit detection capability by making shot detection accurate within one centimeter and enabling the ability to specify number of hits to kill.
PHASE III: Military application: Transition technology to the Army Program called Future Army System of Integrated Targets (FASIT). Commercial applications include game play applications and law enforcement applications.
REFERENCES:
1: CEHNC 1110-1-23 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Design Guide for the Sustainable Range Program
2: Field Manual (FM) 3-06, Urban Operations
3: PRF-PT-00468 Performance Specification for the Future Army System of Integrated Targets (FASIT
4: Training Circular (TC) 25-8, Training Ranges
KEYWORDS: Human Type Target; Live Fire Training, Non-contact Hit Sensor; FASIT
