Unified Position/Location Tracking and Communications Device for Live Urban Warfare Training

Under this Phase I effort we propose to develop a unified position/location tracking (PLT) and communication (POSCOMM) device suitable for use in future training systems such as OneTESS. Our proposed approach is to develop a POSCOMM solution based on aSoftware Defined Radio (SDR) architecture, which integrates GPS positioning and networked communications into a general purpose software/hardware radio solution.While GPS is commonly used for positioning today in an outdoor training environment, it does not currently meet the precision or the coverage requirements to supporting urban training needs such as Geometric Pairing (GP). Our proposed approach is to usenetwork assistance to bolster GPS reception in low signal and degraded signal environments (e.g., tunnels, buildings, under tree canopy, and within proximity to RF transmissions). For areas where GPS reception is impossible (e.g. inside metal buildings),PLT coverage is maintained by using Time Of Arrival (TOA) observations from strategically located POSCOMM devices.Under the Phase I effort we will identify the POSCOMM system requirements and evaluate the low power GPS tracking performance and the alternative communication links for a Phase II POSCOMM SDR implementation. A design will be developed for a prototypePOSCOMM SDR to be implemented under Phase II. Several transition opportunities have been identified including the One Tactical Engagement Simulation System (One TESS) and the Joint Tactical Radio System. The integrated POSCOMM SDR will provide a small, lightweight, low power, low cost positioningdevice suitable for use in future training systems such as OneTESS. This device will also have applicability for supporting SUO situational awareness. The software waveforms to be developed under this activity can transition into the JTRS programexpanding the capabilities of these military software defined radios. Commercial applications also exist including emergency location (E-911) and asset tracking.