Air-Deliverable Geologic Sensors for Tunnel Detection Applications

Under this program QUASAR Federal Systems (QFS) will team with Dr. David Hull’s EM Sensing Group at the Army Research Lab (ARL) to integrate a state-of-the-art QFS induction sensor with a COTS piezo-electric sensor and a low power DAQ in a compact, air-droppable package. The sensor will be based on the QFS 6” long 3-axis induction sensor, reconfigured to fit in a “smart bomb” shape package. The sensor package will be capable of detecting and monitoring electrical, mechanical, and human activity in and around underground facilities. The package to be developed under this program will have the following features. It will be air deployable, offer state-of-the-art sensitivity, offer user selection for data collection modes, transmit processed data to the user via a wireless link, incorporate an intelligent data fusion algorithm, and be low enough cost to be considered disposable. Phase I will focus on establishing the feasibility of making the package air-deliverable, and Phase II will develop and prototype and collect experimental data to define its performance characteristics. BENEFIT: The primary customer for the first product will be the Department of Defense. The device to be developed under this project will offer the DoD a sensing solution that can be easily deployed by air, improving personnel safety and allowing use in difficult terrain. Commercial applications include resource exploration, geophysical science, and space applications.