Handheld Dismount Kit for Persistent, Precision Navigation in GPS-challenged Environments for Military Operations

ABSTRACT:The warfighter needs an accurate and reliable source of Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) when GPS is not available. Fortunately, technical advances in navigation sensors and algorithms can reduce dependence on the venerable, yet vulnerable, GPS system. Inertial sensors are becoming increasingly smaller and more accurate. Low cost, powerful embedded computing platforms enable real time implementation of sophisticated techniques that process large quantities of data. As a result, image based navigation and RF ranging systems are rapidly increasing in maturity. Together, these systems offer the potential to greatly reduce or constrain growth in PNT error.The IS4S team proposes to develop a handheld dismount kit for warfighter navigation in GPS-challenged environments. When GPS is not available, the system will provide the warfighter with an accurate PNT solution, including an accuracy estimate, using inertial-based pedometry, vision, and RF ranges to other warfighters and military platforms. PNT and accuracy will be displayed on a Rockwell Collins MicroDAGR, even when GPS is not available, and this data will be output in standard formats, such as NMEA. All additional components will be designed to be lightweight, have minimal intrusion to the warfighter, and capable of operating for at least 8 hours.BENEFIT:Maintain PNT in GPS contested or denied environments