Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N153-125

Description

To address the Marine Corps need for a passive, non-line of sight, electro-optics imaging system for locating the source of hostile small arms fire, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Compact Omnidirectional Multiband Counter Sniper (COMCOS) system. This proposed system is based on novel integration of omnidirectional optics, thermal imaging sensors, and image-based bullet trajectory detection and backtracking. Innovative use of omnidirectional reflective optics provides 360 degree coverage and accurate range and azimuth measurements; novel integration of uncooled thermal imaging sensors supports passive small arms fire detection. As a result, the COMCOS system offers a compact, man-portable, cost-effective, and accurate sniper detection solution for the Marine Corps. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the COMCOS system by designing the system architecture, developing and integrating its major hardware components, and developing the main software modules. POC will develop practical plans for Phase II maturation of the COMCOS system and its tests and evaluations. In Phase II, POC will gather additional live-fire data for use to refine and optimize the COMCOS prototype. This prototype will take advantage of low risk, proven technologies and show the distinct path to transition COMCOS technology to Marine Corps use.