Sensors and Sensor Systems

Army, Oct 2004

Urban UGS will provide a leave-behind, network-enabled reporting system for situational awareness and force protection in an urban setting and residual protection for cleared areas of a MOUT environment. Components can be hand-employed by soldiers or robotic vehicles inside and outside buildings and structures.

The suite of Sense through the Wall (STTW) Systems is a Future Force capability being developed to detect, locate and "see" personnel with concealed weapons and explosives who are hidden behind walls, doors and other visible obstructions. This capability has direct application to the U.S Army, other service and Special Forces requirements for military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), prisoner/checkpoint screening or hostage recovery operations from both close-in and standoff distance. The sense through the wall device will be designed to mount on small unmanned ground vehicles (SUGV) or other FCS vehicles. Initial technology transfer is expected in FY 2006 to commence a system development and demonstration phase.

The Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) is a quick reaction capability to meet urgent surveillance and targeting needs in OIF. PTDS is made up of a tethered aerostat capability at 2,500-foot altitude with high-resolution imagery (electro-optical/infrared [EO/IR]) capability. Ground IR and radar sensors are used to cue the aerostat imaging sensor to identify targets. Communications include IBCS (wide area LAN) and SINCGARS. Tracking information is provided to security reaction forces in near real time. PTDS leverages the use of the distributed common ground station-Army (DCGS-A) to provide needed intelligence to the commander.

The Platoon Early-Warning System provides the capability for early detection of vehicles and personnel to enhance soldier survivability during defensive and ambush-type operations. By providing early detection of an enemy threat, this capability will enhance the time available to determine the appropriate tactical response. The envisioned system would be organic to appropriate tactical units and available under the common table of allowance to other forces for contingency missions. Design emphasis will be on ease of deployment, operation and recovery.