SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of the proposed study is to address technology issues associated with tradeoffs between costs and requirements for a system capable of providing weapon impact assessment data that show the location of impact of a weapon relative to an intended target and warhead function. The study will address: (1) night time and adverse weather imaging; (2) data link range and robustness; (3) aircraft and weapon integration complexity; and (4) data marking for post strike analysis. The study will also address the infrastructure needed to support and use a weapons impact assessment system and acquisition costs.

The objectives of the proposed work are: to develop prototype devices and assemblies associated with a weapon impact assessment system; to conduct tests of prototype devices and assemblies; and, to analyze data to resolve key technology risks. The majority of work proposed is focused on the sensor/transmitter subsystem because the risks associated with total system performance are mainly centered on this critical subsystem. Tests are proposed that address technology risks in the following areas: Day/adverse weather imaging; night imaging; real time video data link transmission and reception; and, weapon integration. Data will also be obtained in conjunction with the hardware developed and tests analyzed to further develop manufacturing approaches that lead to low-cost production.