Topic Objective

Develop/demonstrate the capability to measure multi-directional winds from the aviation platform to the target, and accommodating platform motion in real time.  Successful application of this capability could foundationally change the employment of aviation weapon systems and associated Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP).

Description

Novel technology that is capable of measuring path integrated 2D winds and range to target in real time in a small form factor.  Initially, the system must be capable of being mounted within the firing platform sight/sensor supporting the attack/recon 20mm cannon with potential application to other weapons platforms in the future.  When installed, the system must tolerate high relative airspeed, simultaneous movement along and rotation about all three axis’s, and the low, medium, and high frequency vibrations and shock associated with air vehicle weapon system operations.  The solution must allow the Fire Control System (FCS) to validate the calculated offset aim point cannon position with respect to the target day or night, and must be covert allowing the user to have high confidence in cannon accuracy before rounds are fired at targets 500m to 2000m in typical combat environmental conditions.

Phase I

Develop operational concept and construct for theory, mathematics, and/or algorithms that inform Holistic Wind Correction for Aviation Targeting identification, recruitment, selection, development and deployment/distribution.

Phase II

Develop a novel prototype system capable of measuring path integrated 2D winds and range to target in real time in a small form factor (Size, weight, power, and cost relevant to Aviation).  Demonstrate the prototype system on a platform in relevant environment (TRL 6).  Demonstration of the prototype system should allow the user to validate target hit improvements under typical wind conditions measured from a moving platform with the first round during day and night at ranges that support 7.62 to 30mm rounds.  Solution package must be commensurate with aviation small size, light weight, and low power requirements, must tolerate weapons system shock and vibrations conditions, and must support barrel aim point validation.

Phase III

Besides the use for FVL CFT modernization efforts, this technology could also be used to address the needs of Non-DoD aviation customers like FBI, Secret Service and Police.  Similarly, the solution would likely find applicability on DoD platforms with less stringent requirements than aviation specifically systems which could accommodate greater weight, space, and power requirements, or which induced lesser shock and vibration conditions.  A phase III would:

• Mature the manufacturing of the system to achieve TRL 7/8 and MRL 8,
• Establish a pilot line to realistically assess cost in volume production,
• Refine size, weight, and power projections from phase II,
• Fully document process parameters associated with producing the 2D wind sensing system,
• Produce a small quantity of systems based on Phase II designs, and
• Investigate Dual use applications

Submission Information

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