Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N162-080

Description

To address the U.S. Marine Corp need for an optically based small arms force-on-force training system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Non-Imaging-optics Mobile Ballistic Line-of-sight Engagement (NIMBLE) system. The innovation in using non-imaging high bandwidth electro-optics module combined with GPS which is fused at central server via a wireless network will enable the system to provide an alternative to laser-based engagement systems. As a result, utilizing POC novel electro-optics and mature components, this system offers force-on-force engagement at greater than or equal to 375 m, enabling targeting of partially occluded targets, real-time casualty assessment while requiring lead aim for moving targets, barrel angle compensation for bullet drop, use of minimum appended equipment and munitions damage assessment models allowing for LVC interoperability, which directly address the requirements for force-on-force training. In Phase I, POC will perform feasibility demonstration of NIMBLE through design and laboratory testing of a prototype compatible with M16 and M4 using minimal appended equipment. In Phase II, POC plans to develop and validate a prototype system employing equipment in the fielding pipeline for demonstration with two squads and capable of expansion to 1000 users to prepare for Phase III transition to PM-TRASYS.