TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Biomedical, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA202 Aircrew Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design an aircraft or aircrew-mounted device to detect and alert when targeted/irradiated by a laser, and record laser-strike characteristics (e.g., wavelength, power, pulse duration, etc.), as well as the global positioning system (GPS) location at the time of detection.

DESCRIPTION: Laser strikes on both military and commercial aircraft have been on the rise since 2005. The Navy is interested in developing a device that can alert aircrew when they have been lased, as well as gather particular laser parameters of importance. The Navy had such a device, the Laser Event Recorder, but that device used now obsolete equipment/technology and no longer manufactured.

Develop a device with the following capabilities:
- Identify the wavelength of the laser strike (desired operational range = 190 - 2000 nm)
- Record the power/energy of the laser strike
- Record the time and duration of strike (if pulsed, measure the pulse lengths as low as one nanosecond (ns) and pulse repetition frequency (PRF))
- Capture a high resolution image and/or video of the source
- Determine the angle of arrival with respect to aircraft orientation and altitude
- Record the GPS coordinates
- Record data on removable media (such as an SD card)
- Device should keep false positives to a minimum
- Device should have a minimum field of view of 50 degrees in the horizontal and 40 degrees in the vertical

Additionally, there is a need to provide a visual notification (such as a light or text indicator) to alert the aircrew that they are receiving laser radiation. The total weight of the device can be no more than 300 grams (g) and the total volume no more than 100 cubic centimeters (cm3). Ruggedize the device to pass requirements in MIL-STD-810H [Ref 1] and pass the electronic interference requirements in MIL-STD-461G [Ref 2]. The device will require mounting to aircraft windscreen via suction cup or on the aircrew via either a Velcro patch or strap. All displays and indicators must be Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible in accordance with MIL-L-85762A [Ref 3]. The device must be powered via rechargeable battery and be capable of operating continuously for a minimum of eight hours.

PHASE I: Design and develop a concept for the device in accordance with the parameters and requirements in the Description. Demonstrate feasibility of the designed concept. The Phase I effort will include detailed prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Continue development of the concept proposed in Phase I and design and demonstrate a prototype device to address all parameters. Include planning, design for either aircraft or aircrew mounting, and perform preliminary testing for ruggedness.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize designs and the technology with an emphasis on manufacturability. Transition final technology to end users and platforms. Successful technology development will have commercial applications in both law enforcement and commercial aviation sectors.

REFERENCES:

1. Department of Defense. MIL-STD-810H Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests. Everyspec, 2019. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810H_55998/

2. Department of Defense. MIL-STD-461G Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment. Everyspec, 2015. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0300-0499/MIL-STD-461G_53571/

3. Department of Defense. MIL-L-85762A Lightning, Aircraft, Interior, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Compatible. Everyspec, 1988. http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-L/MIL-L-85762A_6500/

KEYWORDS: Laser Strike; Incident Radiation; Laser Event Recorder; Laser Warning System; Laser Detection; Hazard Analysis