Autonomous Aircraft Tracking Aboard Carriers

Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) proposes to develop a real-time asset tracking system to be used on an aircraft carrier. The real-time asset tracking system will leverage a commercial product called the Sapphire Digital Active Real-Time Tracking (DART) system developed by MSSI using Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio technology. Key advantages include real-time tracking with localization accuracy less than a foot, small form factor, extended battery life, and operation in severe multipath environments without interference from or to other operating systems onboard the carrier. In Phase I, MSSI will identify the modifications necessary to upgrade the Sapphire DART system for integration into the US Navy's aircraft carrier fleet. MSSI will study and identify how the system can be used to track the location and orientation of aircraft on the aircraft carrier flight deck. This study will examine the number of receivers, necessity of wireless receiver operation, placement of tags on aircraft, etc. Finally, MSSI will examine the current Sapphire design to meet navy environmental requirements. Additionally, MSSI will demonstrate the Sapphire system in operation on an aircraft carrier to track tags, vehicles and aircraft. In the Phase I Option period, MSSI will develop the modifications towards the Phase II system design.