N252-078 TITLE: Night Passive Aiming System

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber;Microelectronics

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost Night Passive Aiming System (NPAS) for individual small arms.

DESCRIPTION: This SBIR effort is to develop a low-cost NPAS for individual small arms engagement at night. Marines currently utilize night vision goggles (NVGs) with weapon mounted, near-infrared (NIR), laser pointer/illuminator systems [Ref 1] to place projectile aimpoints on targets and extend target detection distances when ambient illumination is insufficient for image intensifier (I2) sensor operation. Emissions from laser devices are easily detectable by hostile forces equipped with similar night vision capabilities or modern low-light silicon imaging sensors, as found in cell phones or webcams. The nature of small arms projectile ballistic flight also constrains laser pointer engagement distances as the operator must eventually raise the aimpoint above the target’s head to compensate for bullet drop. Currently fielded night vision weapon sights, both I2 and thermal imaging, provide corrected aimpoint reticles for long range engagements, but are not at a price point amenable for issuance to every infantry Marine. Their relatively narrow field of view also inhibits the user’s ability to rapidly acquire and engage close range targets when compared to NVG/laser engagements.

Technical approaches should emphasize both low cost and light weight (no greater than contemporary small arms laser pointer devices). Multiple approaches may be assessed in Phase I, but a prototype hardware solution (or multiple solutions) must be achievable within the time and funding scope of the base Phase II effort. In all phases of the effort, the proposer shall provide target and environmental modeling assumptions and sensor/optical parameters where applicable.

The prototype system is not expected to be optimized for power consumption, nor to meet full military operational environment requirements; however, it shall be suitably robust for use outdoors in temperate climates. The prototype system should be capable of live fire demonstration on the M27 IAR. Batteries, if applicable, shall be removable by the operator. The prototype should include an external power capability to operate on 120VAC power via an adapter and without internal batteries installed, if applicable.

For NVIPM modeling, the recommended relevant parameters are: 0.75 meter target characteristic dimension, V50 (detection) = 1.5 cycles, V50 (recognition) = 2.2 cycles, 2 Kelvin target contrast for thermal band imaging, and 25% target contrast for reflectance band imaging.

The solution concept of operation shall have sufficient field of view to observe projectile impacts on target, rapidly search for and detect targets, and maintain situational awareness of friendly forces approaching perpendicularly to the target area before they enter the cone of fire. Preferred solutions should not preclude the use of the SBNVG for continuous local situational awareness and dismounted movement at night.

The performer shall provide a plan for both low and full rate production, describing proposed fabrication capabilities and teaming or licensing agreements, if applicable. The performer shall provide a cost estimate for non-recurring initial resources and facilities as well as production of sight systems based on step ladder pricing.

NPAS solutions:

1. shall be operable with the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), equipped with the M83 Squad Common Optic (SCO) and a muzzle-mounted suppressor (Threshold).
2. shall not preclude the use of NIR laser pointer/illuminator devices on the rifle forward handguard rails (note: positioning of laser pointer devices is flexible to accommodate operator preference).
3. shall assume all operators will also be equipped with the AN/PVS-31D Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG), which has the ability to rotate monoculars individually away from viewing position if needed.
4. should accommodate, but not be dependent upon, a limited number of operators being equipped with clip-on night sights along the topside handguard rail (ex., AN/PAS-35 Squad Thermal System/Family of Weapon Sights-Individual) and/or supplemental thermal imaging capability for the SBNVG via the AN/PAS-29B Enhanced Clip-On Thermal Imager (E-COTI) (Objective).
5. may utilize or interact with components already issued to all operators, such as the SBNVG. If the solution includes a dedicated night imaging sensor or optically interacts with other sensors, it is recommended that proposers utilize the U.S. Army Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NVIPM) for sensor range predictions. A copy of NVIPM software can be provided as Government Furnished Information upon contract award, however proposers are expected to have prior proficiency in use as training will not be provided by the Government.
6. shall provide the operator a 70% probability of detecting and engaging personnel targets [Ref 2] at no less than 300 meters in clear air starlight conditions (~1 millilux), without the use of active illumination sources.
7. should provide target recognition and engagement capability at no less than 500 meters in overcast starlight conditions (~100 microlux).
8. should be capable of performing the stated task in dirty battlefield and adverse weather conditions at no less than one-third the clear air range. (Note: Recognition shall be evaluated by the ability of the operator to detect and correctly count the number of upright personnel within a group with no more than 50% line of sight positional overlap between individuals presenting a frontal aspect.)

Phase I proposals shall include, but are not limited to, discussion of the performer’s experience and knowledge of relevant technologies and their application to optical systems for small arms; the proposer’s ability to model the size, weight, power, cost, and range performance of optical systems for small arms applications; and the proposer’s capabilities for rapid prototyping and relevant prior examples. Supplementary material should include recent examples of the performer’s ability to develop, refine, and qualify relevant systems for use in military operational environments and produce systems in significant quantities, utilizing either internal resources or via teaming or licensing agreements. Phase I proposals may include preliminary concepts that demonstrate understanding of the relevant trade spaces.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a NPAS. Establish the feasibility of the concept. Prepare a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver at least one hardware system prototype suitable for demonstrating the range performance, operator employment, and approximate size and weight of the preferred concept on relevant small arms systems. Prepare a Phase III commercialization/transition plan.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further refine the sight system for optimization of size, weight, power, and manufacturing cost and for survivability in the conditions associated with weapon firing shock and the military operational environment. Deliver sufficient representative sight systems to allow qualification and Marine user evaluation for refinement prior to full rate production.

Dual use applications include law enforcement and civilian self-defense or hunting, subject to ITAR and local government restrictions. Related applications may include augmented reality and machine vision systems.

REFERENCES:

1. Laser Sight - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_sight
2. "Marine Corps Order MCO 3574.2M, Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Programs." 6 April 2022, https://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/MCPEL/Electronic-Library-Display/Article/2996982/mco-35742m/ https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCO%203574.2M.pdf?ver=xsW2GP8UoKM6kVJ2D58skQ%3d%3d

 

KEYWORDS: Sensors; Optics; Fire Control; Sights; Small Arms; Weapons; Targeting

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