SHARP Enhancements for Expanded FORCEnet Interoperability

Under this SBIR effort, NAVAIR wishes to "maximize the effective use of TAC RECCE imagery data for use in multi-sensor fusion and target cuing" by supplementing the legacy SHARP system with a FORCEnet-compatible communication capability. The expanded FORCEnet functionality will greatly increase the number of end users who are able to receive the SHARP product, and thus the utility and visibility of the SHARP program. The research team, comprised of Barron Associates, Inc., L-3 Communication Systems-West and the Utah State University Space Dynamics Lab, propose to follow the implementation road map defined in Phase I toward successful demonstration of Ethernet/GFP CDL Annex B capabilities on the SHARP in Phase II. The research team will implement the relevant SHARP enhancements to demonstrate a complete sensor-to-surface terminal data link that provides both FORCEnet and legacy 5/6-channel capabilities with no configuration impact. Upon completion of the successful demonstration, the design will be refined and a Phase III plan will be developed that details the program road map, through the update of fielded pods, including time lines and expected costs. This team's approach provides the most efficient and cost-effective solution to meet the solicitation objectives with the least risk.