Sniper Detection

Under this Phase II effort, the A2-T2 team will build upon the success of our Phase I project to further extend pre-shot standoff detection of snipers and potential snipers. The system is based on the existing Photo-Automatic-Linking-System for facial detection and recognition with added capabilities specifically directed at sniper detection to create PALS for Sniper Detection (PALS-SD). PALS-SD is a multi-modal camera-based system that employs electro-optics, range finding, and new classes of eye-safe lasers to detect sniper signatures, to include detection of eyes, faces, rifle scopes, binoculars, and other indicators of surveillance. The system is designed to support the required range of up to 600 meters. A key to the concept is our 360-degree high rate screening module, which quickly scans the environs of the transport vehicle to identify potential snipers. Once the signature of a potential sniper is detected, the powerful long-range optics examine the target area for confirmation of the presence of a sniper. The proposed effort represents a progressive advancement of the concept through modeling and simulations, through laboratory testing, and into field-testing through realistic battlespace scenarios, resulting in an advanced concept for preproduction prototyping. The system will be supported with advanced software for command and control and imaging analytics for high rejection of false alarms. Under our modular concept, PALS-SD lends itself to vehicle transport as well as eventual deployment on robotic platforms and potentially warfighter-borne configurations. This modular approach further facilitates integration of PALS-SD with other force protection tools, such as acoustic sniper detection systems and automatic sighting of both lethal and nonlethal weapons.