Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors, Electronics
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop an innovative means of marking targets during the day. The reason to mark targets in the day is to direct fire from both ground and air assets.
DESCRIPTION: Currently there is difficulty in marking targets during the day in a fashion that is reverse compatible with existing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance elements – armed and unarmed. This difficulty includes the ability to work for a Joint Terminal Attack Controller or Reconnaissance and Surveillance team at beyond audible range of air assets or beyond visual detection range for ground assets that would engage or observe the intended target. In addition, there is a need for the system to work in conjunction with both US forces and Coalition forces.
PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraph entitled “Description.” As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications on the key system attributes of ability to mark in the band of 3.0 to 4.2 microns, 4.4 to 5.4 microns, and 1.064 microns during all-weather day and night. The innovative research should be geared towards a man portable, hand held, multi-band daytime marker that also operates at night. The technology should be reverse compatible with existing equipment for both US and Coalition forces with the ability to select which bands are turned on or delivered to whom. In addition, this technology should be able to work in all weather and all environments from snow to highly cluttered desert floors equatorial summer or on vegetation that may have moisture. The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.
PHASE II: Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on a daytime marker.
PHASE III: This system could be used in a broad range of military applications. Additional applications include U.S. law enforcement, U.S. border patrol, search and rescue of persons by U.S. first responders in local / state / or federal capacity.
REFERENCES:
1: "Joint Fire Support - Joint Publications 3-09", 12 December 2014; http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp3_09.pdf
2: "Close Air Support Podcast", 8 July 2009; http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/docnet/podcasts/JP_3-09.3/podcast_JP_3-09.3.htm
3: "Aviation Support of Ground Operations" (Army Field Manual 3-21.31), 3 March 2001; http://www.globalsecurity.org/military//library/policy/army/fm/3-21-31/appf.htm
KEYWORDS: Daytime Marker, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, JTAC, Reconnaissance And Surveillance, R&S, Fires, Lasers, Pointers
