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FACT SHEET
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCEAir Force Research LaboratoryOffice of Public Affairs 3550 Aberdeen Avenue S.E., Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776 (505) 846-1911; Fax (505) 846-0423 |
Posted on 02/17/2003 8:29:51 PM PST by VaBthang4
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FACT SHEET
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCEAir Force Research LaboratoryOffice of Public Affairs 3550 Aberdeen Avenue S.E., Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776 (505) 846-1911; Fax (505) 846-0423 |
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ACTIVE DENIAL TECHNOLOGYDirected Energy Non-Lethal Demonstration Photograph of the demonstration hardware |
| Active Denial Technology is a breakthrough non-lethal technology that uses millimeter-wave electromagnetic energy to stop, deter and turn back an advancing adversary from relatively long range. It is expected to save countless lives by providing a way to stop individuals without causing injury, before a deadly confrontation develops. The technology was developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Department of Defense's Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate. Approximately $40 million has been spent on this technology over the past ten years. This non-lethal technology was developed in response to Department of Defense needs for field commanders to have options short of the use of deadly force. Non-lethal technologies can be used for protection of Defense resources, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions and other situations in which the use of lethal force is undesirable. How does it work? Active Denial Technology uses a transmitter to send a narrow beam of energy towards an identified subject. Traveling at the speed of light, the energy reaches the subject and penetrates less than 1/64 of an inch into the skin, quickly heating up the skin's surface. Within seconds, an individual feels an intense heating sensation that stops when the transmitter is shut off or when the individual moves out of the beam. Despite the sensation, the technology does not cause injury because of the low energy levels used. It exploits a natural defense mechanism that helps to protect the human body from damage. The heat-induced sensation caused by this technology, is nearly identical to the sensation experienced by briefly touching an ordinary light bulb that has been left on for a while. Unlike a light bulb, however, active denial technology will not cause rapid burning, because of the shallow penetration of the beam and the low levels of energy used. The transmitter needs only to be on for a few seconds to cause the sensation. Testing Humans and animals are being used in the test program. All testing is being conducted with strict observance of the procedures, laws and regulations governing animal and human experimentation. The tests have been reviewed and approved by a formal Institutional Review Board with oversight from the Air Force Surgeon General's Office. The testing is being conducted by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate. Military and civilian employees have volunteered for these tests. Prior to participating in the program, all volunteers are fully informed of the purpose and nature of the tests and of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts expected from the research. Other than minor skin tenderness due to repeated exposure to the beam, there are no lasting effects. An institutional review board has determined that the risk level is minimal. No pay is received for participation, and volunteers may withdraw at any time with no negative personal or professional ramifications. Many of the project scientists are volunteers for the study. These tests, which are being conducted at Kirtland Air Force Base south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, employ more realistic military field conditions, following several years of successful and safe laboratory testing. These field tests are the first to expose an entire test subject to the energy beam. These tests will demonstrate the technology, gather additional data on effects in realistic conditions, and allow the military benefits to be assessed. Operational System Although this testing is expected to continue into the summer, officials have begun examining appropriate platforms on which to deploy the technology. Currently, planning is underway for a vehicle-mounted version. Future versions might also be used onboard planes and ships. The vehicle-mounted version will be designed to be packaged on a vehicle such as a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, more commonly referred to as a Humvee). This technology and its proposed use in an operational system have been given a preliminary weapons legal review as required by Department of Defense Directive 3000.3 "Policy for Non-Lethal Weapons," and the United States' treaty - obligations. This preliminary review found that further research, development, and testing of this technology is permissible. As required by law, a final, comprehensive legal review will be completed prior to entering the acquisition cycle.
 The Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System concept Organizations involved Two primary organizations are executing this program: the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Air Force Research Laboratory is developing the technology with funding from both the Air Force and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate. From the Air Force Research Laboratory, two directorates are involved: the Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and the Human Effectiveness Directorate at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. The former works technology development and testing; the latter is in charge of biological effects research. There are three primary contractors: Raytheon AET in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is the systems integrator, CPI (Communications and Power Industries) in Palo Alto, California, is the source developer, and Veridian Engineering in San Antonio, Texas, is performing biological effects research. Other organizations and agencies that are involved in the this project include the Air Force Force Protection Battlelab at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; the Marine Warfighting Laboratory at Quantico, Virginia; the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida; and the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. The Air Force's Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, will manage acquisition of the Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System based on this technology.
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Air Force Research Laboratory
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCEAir Force Research LaboratoryOffice of Public Affairs 3550 Aberdeen Avenue S.E., Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776 (505) 846-1911; Fax (505) 846-0423 |
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Battlefield Optical Surveillance System (BOSS)
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The Battlefield Optical Surveillance System, or BOSS, is a grouping of lasers, optics, sensors and communications equipment mounted on a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, pronounced “humvee”). Initially envisioned as a mobile counter sniper platform, BOSS has evolved into a working concept of a covert surveillance/detection system with the ability to visibly--or invisibly--designate a battlefield threat. BOSS has the following components that can be powered by either an external gas-powered generator on the HMMWV or through a bank of batteries for more covert operations:
| Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR): Sees in the 8-12 micron range of the spectrum, detecting temperature differences between bodies that can easily see hot vehicle components from the heat they generate. Infrared Camera/Illuminator: Uses backscattered infrared (808 nanometers) illumination to light up an area of interest at distances up to one kilometer. Optical Augmentation (glint) from an individual’s rifle scope/binoculars or even a person's retinas provides a means of detecting that individual. Variable focus on the illumination/camera can then determine, without alerting the suspect, whether the person is carrying weaponry or is moving suspiciously. The infrared laser can also be used to covertly designate (spotlight) a person for night vision capable forces. Visible Laser: A doubled Nd/YAG (green) laser or an optional red laser can also be used to visibly designate a threatening individual. The threatening individual’s reaction to visible illumination can help determine his intent: if hostile, direct force can be used, and if non-hostile, firing lethal rounds can be averted. As used in the battlefield, both lasers will not harm eyes. Microwave Relay: Allows the operator to transmit the Forward Looking Infrared and Infrared camera video to a command post, up to 10 miles away. |
In operation, BOSS requires two people: a driver and an operator. From the passenger-side back seat, the operator controls all imaging systems and the lasers (infrared and visible). Two remotely controlled gimbals on a turret on the roof of the HMMWV hold the optics and lasers. The lasers and battery power systems are housed inside the vehicle, behind the operator. Forward Looking Infrared video and Infrared camera video are displayed on screens at the operator’s console. The video signals are transmitted to the command post via the microwave relay.
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCEAir Force Research LaboratoryOffice of Public Affairs 3550 Aberdeen Avenue S.E., Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776 (505) 846-1911; Fax (505) 846-0423 |
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POCKET LASER COMMUNICATOR
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The Pocket Laser Communicator, developed by the Laser Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate, is a lightweight, compact semiconductor laser device capable of transmitting and receiving secure voice communications without radio frequency transmission. For best results, the communication range is within .6 miles, but can be as high as 1.2 miles by using a narrow beam. The system consists of a transmitter, receiver, and headset.
This communicator system has a security advantage in that it transmits voices over a laser beam which, unlike a radio frequency transmission, can not be picked up by unfriendly forces (enemies) using a scanner. Conversations on regular radios and walkie-talkies which use radio frequencies are susceptible to interception.
The unique Laser Division transmitter contains a diode laser operating at near-infrared wavelengths. The laser wavelength works well with night-vision equipment, resulting in improved night operations. Different wavelengths are being investigated to enhance operation and increase eye safety. The transmitter is about the size of a miniature flashlight and can also function as an infrared flashlight. A lens is used to vary the beam size from a pin point to a flood light.
When used with a wide beam in an enclosed environment, the receiver can pick up light scattered off walls and ceilings, and the system can be used as an intercom. The receiver contains the electronics, battery, and infrared detector. It is powered by a 9-volt battery which allows four hours of operation and can be recharged. The receiver weighs about 8 ounces and is about the size of a cassette tape. It uses a magnifying lens to focus the energy on the detector and an optical filter to reduce the amount of noise. Two cable jacks, one for the transmitter and one for the headset, are on the receiver.
Two different headsets are available. One is a lightweight, adjustable model that covers one ear and has a small adjustable microphone. The second is an ear-mike, a combined earphone and microphone that is inserted into the ear and operates on the principle of bone conduction.
The Pocket Laser Communicator is a multi-functional (communicator, infrared flashlight, and pointer) device that is unprecedented in low weight and small size. It provides short-range communication capabilities for various military and law enforcement personnel.
Air Force Research Laboratory
(Current as of July 2002)
(Current as of July 2002)
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