Technologies to Defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) Navy SBIR FY2004.2 - Quick Response Topics Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-901 Topic Title: Technologies to Defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) Proposal No.: N042-901-0690 Firm: Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. 3292 E. Hemisphere Loop Tucson, Arizona 85706-5013 Contact: Mark Patterson Phone: (520) 573-6300 Web Site: www.acrtucson.com Abstract: The impact of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is devastating for US and allied troops dealing with this threat on a daily basis. The proposed technology deals with a method to identify from a safe distance, the detonation wires attached to these IEDs so that evasive action can be taken. A sensor mounted on a UAV will rapidly allow large roadside areas to be searched in real-time, thereby allowing the convoy to proceed in relative safety. The UAV will travel with the convoy, relaying additional information about the location and visible appearance of the IED from the air as verification. This proposal will miniaturize the sensor technology and integrate it with existing UAV ground stations and C4 systems. This development effort will result in a demonstration in theatre, of a UAV mounted sensor which will identify IED detonation wires, thereby providing additional protection to troops deployed in hostile areas. Benefits: The proposal deals with the integration of a ground based sensor into an airborne application on board a UAV. Once airborne the technology will be applicable to a wide range of applications and industries. The technology will identify conductors and is therefore suitable for the identification of not only wires, electrical cables, pipe lines etc., but can also be used to detect deeply buried pipelines and tunnels down to a depth of 500 feet. This technology would be beneficial in the exact location of tunnels used for drug trafficking, immigration patrols as well as escape tunnels. This sensor based airborne technology will also have significant impact on future mining surveys in the identification of certain ore bodies, on civil services for the identification of pipelines and in the surveying of sub surface applications where a difference in electrical conductivity exists. Return