UAV Forward Observer Kit with On-Board GNC Module

The DoD is investing research and development efforts to improve the accuracy, lethality, and overall effectiveness Long Range Precision Fired (LRPF) weapons which currently rely on human forward observers to relay target information which put the forward observer in high risk situations. The proposed UAV Forward Observer (FO) Kit with On-Board GNC Module acts as a forward observer, transmitting video of enemy target environments to the warfighter who selects targets. The UAV FO Kit tracks the desired targets and communicates the target information to incoming munitions via radio. The munitions then engage the desired target. The UAV FO Kit can communicate to multiple munitions and decides the optimal target for each munition based on prioritization provided by the warfighter. The UAV FO Kit also utilizes its own sensors and cameras to get velocity and rotation measurements from optical flow to aid UAV navigation in GPS-denied environments. The UAV FO Kit acts as an autonomous forward observer in order to provide target information while personnel maintains a safer distance from enemies to utilize Long-Range Precision Fired weapons currently being developed. Through this Phase I SBIR effort, the Orbital Research Team will analyze and test specific hardware to be mounted onto existing UAV platforms to  achieve the desired forward observer capabilities. This innovation builds from an Orbital Research internally funded IRAD effort to deliver low-cost dropped munitions from group 1 and 2 UAVs. The sensors, cameras, radios, and other components used in the UAV FO Kit will be tested using developmental hardware in both lab and field settings at UAV approved airfields. Additionally, data from these tests will be post-processed to test and develop the required algorithms such as target detection and tracking, optical flow for GPS-denied navigation, and multi-munition coordination. The Phase I program will conclude with an Option period that will prepare for testing early in the Phase II program by to demonstrate UAV FO Kit capabilities in a short range application (1-3km). Upon completion of the Phase I program, the Orbital Team will demonstrate the feasibility of the UAV FO Kit through lab and field testing of different subsystems. The Team will also analyze feasibility of the UAV FO Kit in long-range applications (~100 km) to meet the demands of LRPF weapon systems. The Phase II program will commence with building and early testing of the entire UAV FO Kit system in scaled flight tests, and continue to develop the long-range solution desired by the Army. Ultimately, the UAV FO Kit will enable better direction and prioritization of single and salvo fires without putting the warfighter near the target area.  This capability will be realized first for Mortar CONOPs and then on Artillery CONOPs.  The warfighter can select targets based on the multispectral imagery data, prioritize them, and conduct instant battle damage assessment.