SA PHOTONICS, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF151-019

Description

ABSTRACT:Being a member of a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) is one of the most challenging positions in the military. These personnel are tasked with the dual roles of being warfighters as well as air traffic controllers, often while near or behind enemy lines. Especially because of this dual role, TACP members must maintain a very high situational awareness. Looking down at a wrist or chest worn display, even for a few seconds, can mean the difference between detecting an enemy or target and missing them. An optimized information display could increase the effectiveness of TACP members, allowing them to remain eyes out all the time. At night, if such a display could fit in between their night vision goggles and their eyes, it would allow for symbology augmentation on top of night vision imagery. SA Photonics has developed the concept for the TACPOD (TACP Optimized Display) to provide TACP members with increased situational awareness in day and night operations. This system will be used to compare against a body worn display, and, if it proves favorable it will be built in a Phase II effort. BENEFIT:The benefits of SA Photonics TACPOD display include: Wide field of view, high resolution TRL 7 eyepiece Variable transmittance eyepiece for use in high ambient environments and to control light leakage at night Ability to use night vision goggles (NVGs) and combine imagery with symbology Intuitive fore/aft, vertical and interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustments Overlay of my information while viewing other members information in a tactical operations center environment Stowable out of the direct line of sight when it isnt being used Wireless operation removing the need for a cable between the HMD and controller