Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Without The Global Positioning System (GPS)

The use of GPS has become ubiquitous for position identification and navigation. However, in areas such as within buildings, dense urban areas, complex terrain, or hostile areas access to satellite-transmitted positioning signals may be limited, unavailable, or intentionally denied limiting the spatial awareness and navigation capabilities of personnel in transit. To ensure continuity in navigation capabilities, alternative localization techniques are required to avoid personnel and assets from becoming lost or disoriented while traversing unknown areas.In this proposal we investigate the feasibility of adapting the Namatad FIREFLY localization platform, which was originally designed for firefighters, to enable warfighter localization in GPS-denied areas. We will detail the adaptations necessary, including potential networking protocol accommodations and multiple channel usage, for dynamically deployable, cost effective devices that could be leveraged in warfighter scenarios. Given FIREFLY was purpose-built for localizing first responders within a single structure, we will also analyze the feasibility of the FIREFLY system for two additional environments, including mixed multi-building, indoor and outdoor environments found within urban areas as well as longer-range outdoor environments. The feasibility results will be highlighted with proposed adaptations to be incorporated into defense-specific designs in the subsequent Phase II.