Advancing Air Commando Capabilities: Integrating GNSS-Denied Location Tracking and Real-Time Mapping into ATAK

This Phase I SBIR initiative is dedicated to advancing operational tracking capabilities for AFSOC Special Tactics teams, particularly in GNSS-denied environments. The focus is on evaluating hardware and software enhancements, with an emphasis on determining the most effective and durable mounting positions for tracking devices. The effort will aim to integrate the tracking system with the S21 ensemble, examining connections with the S21 TAK End User Device (EUD) through existing wire bundles or potential Bluetooth links. Additionally, the project will explore software integration strategies with Android Tactical Assault Kits (ATAK), emphasizing on-edge calibration and translation for precise tracking in complex environments. The primary goal is to bolster mission success and safety for AFSOC Special Tactics personnel, ensuring their effective operation and safe return through a detailed dashboard that captures essential operational and health data. Adapting the AIT technology, originally developed for firefighter situational awareness and utilizing visual-inertial odometry with loop closure, we propose a strategic enhancement for AFSOC Special Tactics teams. This adaptation will refine the technology to focus on precise location tracking of Special Tactics personnel in GNSS-denied environments, a critical capability for operations where GNSS is unreliable or unavailable. The core of this enhancement is to ensure seamless integration with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) system, providing a robust platform for real-time situational awareness and strategic coordination. By leveraging these advanced capabilities, the system will offer AFSOC teams a significant operational advantage, enabling accurate tracking and enhanced communication within the ATAK framework. This emphasis on precise personnel localization, combined with ATAK integration, aims to significantly improve mission effectiveness and safety for Special Tactics teams operating under challenging conditions. The Ascent Integrated Technology (AIT) platform offers a highly effective solution for AFSOC Special Tactics teams, providing precision in enhancing situational awareness without the need for GNSS signals, thus ensuring operational efficiency even in austere environments. Its low size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics, combined with seamless integration with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), offer unmatched mobility and compatibility with existing operational frameworks. AIT's adaptability across various mission profiles, coupled with its capability for precise tracking and vital health data monitoring, significantly reduces reliance on potentially unreliable radio communications. Tailored specifically to meet the unique demands of Special Tactics operations, AIT provides a customizable, robust tool that bolsters mission success and personnel safety through advanced operational insights and communication capabilities.