Passive Infrared Detection of Guns and Ordnance |
The Tactical Electronic Warfare Division of the Naval Research Laboratory has been working with passive InfraRed (IR) detection of small arms and ordnance since 1993. The two main systems that have resulted are the Vectored Infrared Personnel Engagement and Return fire ( VIPER ) small arms detection and the Battlefield Ordnance Engagement - Network Centric Employment ( BOUNCE ) systems.
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The VIPER equipment consists of a mid-wave IR camera, together with real-time signal processing, magnetic compass, and user display and alarm. It provides both gun detection within 70 msec after gunfire and geolocation of the firing event. A passive acoustic component (microphone) or a laser rangefinder can be incorporated to determine range to the gunfire. |
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The VIPER has many modes of operation. These include:
• static operations for protection of high value targets (embassies, etc.)
• mobile operations on vehicles (HUMMWV, LAV, etc.)
• networked mobile operations - dismounted troops near HUMMWV, etc.
• man-portable operation (requires some weight reduction and R&D)
The VIPER has been integrated with gimbals and high resolution visual cameras for law enforcement purposes as well as for target identification that assists when returning fire. It has been tested extensively against over 10,000 rounds from various small arms and works beyond the maximum effective ranges of the weapons.
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The BOUNCE system has been developed for use in tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles which will be able to fly underneath clouds in order to locate and classify enemy ordnance. It can also be used to correct offensive-fire targeting and provide high resolution imagery for battle damage assessment. It consists of an IR camera, GPS, attitude sensors, image processing, a gimballed visible zoom camera with laser rangefinder, and ground and user stations. |
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A two-platform air payload experiment using the BOUNCE systems was completed in 2003 under the sponsorship of Office of Naval Research Swampworks program. This demonstrated Network-Centric capabilities and provided "over the hill" situational awareness to ground forces. It is primarily designed to detect guns, mortars, and artillery fires in the 1 - 10 Km range for tactical use.
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Advanced work in the passive IR gun/ordnance detection technology area is being pursued currently. The advanced development includes: refinement of motion algorithms in order to operate in high-clutter urban (MOUT) scenarios; development of techniques for dismounted warfighters; applications of lower-cost, lighter-weight IR cameras.
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Upper Left: Detection of shot from a window
Upper Right: Detection of shot reflected off inner wall
Lower Left: Detection of shot partially obscured
Lower Right: Detection of shot at extended range
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VIDEOS |
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Sniper shooting from various positions. IR camera covers 80x22 degrees. Visible camera slews to the detection position automatically and zooms in.
download ~ 6.8 MEG |
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Detection sensor linked to an automated counter fire weapon with a visible camera mounted on top of the weapon. Imagery of the recticle is the weapons aim point.
download ~ 1.7 MEG |
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Two shooters run and stop to shoot. You will hear a "ding" sound for the alert and see the visible camera slew to the shooter position.
download ~1.6 MEG
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Zoomed in image of shooter firing from a partially wooded area. Scene shows two shots. Shooter is wearing bright clothes to stand out.
download ~ 0.8 MEG |
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Detections of a single shooter from a moving vehicle. Shots are into a nearby stream. You will see the gimbal and camera slew to the shot position while the van is in motion.
download ~ 1.4 MEG |
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Airborne detection of 105 mm launches and 105 mm impacts at 3-5 km away and 1,000 feet altitude.
download ~ 2.1 MEG |
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Sensor suite inadvertently captured rapid fire shooters on an adjacent range. Visible camera slews to the last shot detection. Blurred imagery due to video resolution.
download ~ 1.4 MEG |
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Three shooters firing into a stream. They are spread out to demonstrate the wide angle capability of the infrared coverage.
download ~ 1.3 MEG |
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Video demonstration of the audio heard during detections. "Ding" is an alert heard before the shot's sound wave reaches the user.
download ~ 3.2 MEG |
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