Target Location Technology for Ground Based Observers

Current and future fire support systems are becoming more accurate due to advances in GPS guidance and IMU technologies. However, the inherent accuracy of these munitions makes them more sensitive to errors in the target coordinates, frequently referred to as Target Location Error (TLE). For the Marine Corps, the most common source of target coordinate data is the ground-based observer. Currently these observers rely upon GPS, laser rangefinders, and an azimuth-measuring device to determine coordinates. Errors due to azimuth-sensing devices such as compasses increase linearly with range, so at extended ranges their contribution to TLE is significant. Under the Phase I effort we propose to develop a design for a Precision Targeting Payload (PTP) suitable for use in a small UAV. This will apply an innovative GPS/inertial kinematic alignment procedure that we expect to significantly improve the alignment accuracy possible from the same small gyroscopes currently used by targeting devices. We will build a prototype payload and demonstrate its alignment accuracy against test targets. A design will be developed for a Phase II PTP that will allow TLEs to be determined at ranges of 5 km to an accuracy of better than 10 m.