Multi-Spectral Combat ID Beacon

Diffraction LTD will develop a multi-spectral battery powered combat ID beacon. Key emitter technologies will include vacuum encapsulated photonic crystals in the MWIR and LWIR spectral bands. In Phase 1, a complete optical, electrical, and mechanical design of the beacon will be produced. A model taking into account emitter characteristics, atmospheric transmission, ambient lighting, and various detector characteristics will be built to enable simulations of the beacon to predict its range performance. Diffraction has extensive experience designing, building, and fielding combat ID beacons in the NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR portions of the spectrum. BENEFITS: The developed beacon will enable covert positive identification of U.S. forces thereby greatly reducing the chance of fratricide.