Autonomous Intelligent Store Tracker Sensor (AISTS)

The objective of Phase II is to provide a device capable of measuring, correlating, and logging a wide range of dynamic events for external store carriages and that is accompanied by a mobile data retrieval/logging tool and base station analysis software. For achieving this, AGNC is providing the U.S. Navy with the"Autonomous Intelligent Store Tracker Sensor"(AISTS) architecture consisting of: (i) an internal self-sufficient sensor device with embedded processing and sensors for determining events experienced by external stores; (ii) novel thru-metal wall communication and powering system; (iii) hand-held reader with a user-friendly interface for interrogating and powering the internal sensor; and (iv) base station with an information system to support store maintenance. The successful completion of Phase II lays the groundwork for a new technology to be integrated into applications involving event monitoring, maintenance procedures, pattern recognition, and wireless thru-metal communication. An immediate benefit is that the AISTS will enable automatic tracking and recording of dynamic events while in-flight or on-ground, and then this information can be used for assessing and validating the design carriage life of the store, as well as to determine the potential future life until service.