SBIR-STTR Award

The purpose of the present effort is to develop a Dual Mode Tag (DMT) proof-of-concept system for reducing fratricide, contributing to battlefield situational awareness (SA) and finding downed pilots, by identifying friendly vehicles at tactically significant ranges. We propose an RF Tag, IR/E-O Tag and RF wakeup/trigger receiver providing responses to corresponding sensors on friendly aircraft. Respective radar, FLIR, laser range finder, etc. sensors will be identified on both weapons carrying and search and rescue aircraft. Missions for which the DMT will be investigated include Strike, CAS, ISR and CSAR. The design goal for the DMT is a device which can simultaneously respond to any RF or IR/E-O sensor and provide Combat ID to any or all of the respective sensors in an innovative, compact system. Maximum use will be made of Spectra Research’s proven RF Tag and RF receiver technology, combined with new concepts in the IR/E-O Tag arena, particularly IR Markers. IR/E-O aircraft sensors under consideration include not only stand alone FLIRS, etc, but also pods with integrated FLIR, laser range finder, designators, pointers and TV. A final DMT design will be submitted including estimates of military utility, performance, SWaP, and cost.

Benefit:
Spectra Research’s commercialization strategy will capitalize on the growing demand for miniaturized RF/EO-IR transmitters for tracking soldiers on the battlefield and civilian uses such as firefighters or law enforcement officials. Animals also require long term tracking, with identification, such as in National Parks, State Parks and for University-level research in animal behavior. Although the technology proposed in this effort would require expansion outside of DoD use, it could also be applied to supply chain management in warehouses and outside storage facilities. Homeland security requirements include identification of goods in transit into the country and in storage.

Keywords:
Fratricide, Combat Identification (Cid), Sensors, Multi-Mode Tags, Optical Marker, Rf Tags, Situational Awareness, Dual-Mode

The purpose of the Phase II program is to develop and test a Dual Mode Tag (DMT) proof-of-concept system for reducing fratricide, contributing to battlefield situational awareness (SA) and finding downed pilots at tactically significant ranges. The Spectra Research team proposes an integrated device consisting of an RF Tag, IR/E-O Tag and RF wakeup/trigger receiver. This device will provide responses to corresponding sensors on friendly aircraft. Missions for which the DMT will be investigated include Strike, CAS, ISR and CSAR. The design goal for the DMT is a device which can simultaneously respond to any RF or IR/E-O sensor and provide Combat Identification (CID) to any or all of the respective sensors in an innovative, compact system. Maximum use will be made of Spectra Research’s proven RF Tag and RF receiver technology, combined with new concepts in the IR/E-O Tag arena, particularly IR Markers. IR/E-O aircraft sensors under consideration include not only standalone FLIRS, but also pods with integrated FLIR, laser range finder, designators, pointers and TV.

Benefit:
Spectra Research’s commercialization strategy will capitalize on the growing demand for miniaturized RF/EO-IR transmitters for tracking soldiers on the battlefield and civilian uses such as firefighters or law enforcement officials. Animals also require long term tracking, with identification, such as in National Parks, State Parks and for University-level research in animal behavior. Although the technology proposed in this effort would require expansion outside of DoD use, it could also be applied to supply chain management in warehouses and outside storage facilities. Homeland security requirements include identification of goods in transit into the country and in storage.

Keywords:
Fratricide, Combat Identification (Cid), Multi-Mode Tags, Optical Marker, Rf Tags, Situational Awareness, Dual-Mode, Blue Force