Multi-Modal Wide Field of View Weapons Detection System

Genex Technologies, Inc. proposes in this SBIR effort to develop and test the feasibility of a novel multi-modal weapons detection sensor system that reliably detects and locates Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) in wide field of views (FOVs) (up to 360,a) and automatically performs countermeasures. RPGs represent a continuing threat against our troops in Iraq and around the world. Their relative low cost and availability makes them an attractive weapon to terrorists who threaten our troops. To combat this terrible threat, Genex proposes a novel, omni-directional image/acoustic surveillance sensor with reliable accuracy in locating the source of the RPG with a low false alarm rate and in real time. Current solutions, such as purely acoustic technologies that detect an RPG launch and its bearing, have proven unreliable with a high incidence of false alarms and slow response rate. When a weapon is fired, the chemical in the propellant causes a unique signature in the spectrum. We will investigate spatial and temporal methods to detect the spectral signature, determine whether it is from a weapon and what type of weapon it is by its unique spectral signature, and combine this imaging solution with acoustic detection to improve accuracy and reliability.