Multi Function Beacon

To address Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC)’s need for tactical electronics systems to support special operations, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Multifunction Beacon (MFB) system, an extremely compact operator-carried sensing and communication technology designed to increase situational awareness (SA) during rotary wing infiltration/exfiltration operations, provide vital ground information to pilots, and ultimately reduce cognitive burden on special operators and lower the risk to mission success. The MFB system merges proven Intellisense technologies at technology readiness level 9 with new, state-of-the-art sensing and communications capabilities that can be rapidly deployed to improve SA when supporting special operations missions. The MFB’s capability leverages a compact weather sensor augmented with onboard visible-spectrum and nighttime cameras, Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and illuminating beacons to provide relevant data to rotary wing aircraft via tactical communications through either satellite or radio-based communications. During missions, the system can be rapidly set up by ground operators to provide inbound pilots with a run-in heading and critical flight information for hasty landing zones (LZ). The MFB can further mark the LZ utilizing the onboard overt or covert beacon. GPS information will pinpoint the LZ location and elevation, and the weather module can continue to provide real-time weather data conditions in the LZ. The 360-degree onboard imaging system with embedded artificial intelligence awareness will remotely scan and monitor the surrounding area and alert operators if there are potential hazards in the area, thus enabling enhanced SA. In Phase II, Intellisense will refine system requirements and create a comprehensive requirements document and system architecture prior to developing and integrating all required MFB subsystems. Phase II will culminate in delivery of functional prototypes for end-user evaluation in preparation for further system enhancement and transition to qualification and production.