Wearable, Low Power Ballistic Impact Detection System

In the proposed project, QUASAR will build on the work of Steven Van Albert of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the promising results of our Phase I program by fabricating and testing a wearable, low power, ballistic impact detection system (BIDs) for the modern warfighter. The BIDs will be capable of operating from a single coin-type battery for more than 24 hours. It will detect an impact, determine whether that impact is ballistic or blast, wounding or non-wounding, and very possibly provide localization information, and then report the result within a few seconds. The principal components of the program are definition of the system requirements, including those imposed by probable platforms for future integration, evaluation of available sensors, system design and development, discrimination algorithm development, and trials. The system will be put through a series of tests to measure its sensitivity and selectivity, with cadaver shots providing the true positives and clutter being gathered through routine and high impact (shooting firearms, contact sports or self defense training, etc.) activity, and simulated combat. Ultimately, the system could be integrated into the Future Force Warrior system, providing to both medical personnel and unit leadership crucial information about warfighter status.