BACKGROUND
During combat search and rescue operations, it is not always possible to locate and rescue downed pilots before they are identified in enemy territory. Current uniforms and over-garments do little to reduce the visible and infrared signature of downed airmen, and therefore pilots have trouble evading visual, thermal, and low-light sensors. Space for evasion methods on aircraft is extremely limited, so any solution must either already be worn by the pilot, a material they can obtain or take advantage of already existing in their local environment, or fit in their kit.
CHALLENGE
Develop a way for pilots shot down in combat to evade detection until they can be rescued.
LIMITATIONS
– Look at ways to reduce the detectability range both in daytime and at night
– Ability to maintain mobility when deployed
– Worldwide applicability, but with a focus on land
– Technologies that might be relevant: Active camouflage (OLED), metamaterials
Blog Posts
3/9/18
Last week, we focused on generating ideas and areas that seemed interesting, between the bounds of reality and bordering on the fantastical. This week, we researched and investigated our potential solutions with a criterion.
Potential solutions explored:
· Parachute Alternatives
o Change the color to something less readily recognizable (e.g. camo, transparent)
· Drones
o Serve as decoy (either by self or cargo load)
· Hologram
o Hide the pilot and parachute
o Hide the pilot on the ground
o Create decoys to mislead enemy
· Thermal emitting materials
o Create misleading thermal signature
· Metamaterials
o Anything that can block/absorb visible and thermal waves
Criteria:
· Fit to scope
o Signatures addressed
o Efficiency for each signature
o Mobility
o Multi-functionality
· Viability
o Implementation cost
o Scalability
· Feasibility
o Readiness
o Attainability of tech (patents, ITAR)
We also categorized our solutions based on:
· Effectiveness in the air or on the ground
· Attainability with current technology or foreseeable future technology
Action plan for the next three weeks:
· Fill out market opportunity navigator
· Top half of Business Model Canvas
3/29/18
Last blog post, we discussed how we would fill out the market opportunity navigator and the top half of the business model canvas. However, upon further discussion, we decided to pursue those at a later point. This is due to the fact that we do not have a commercially viable solution yet.
Criteria Updates:
We received feedback from our sponsors on the criteria mentioned last blog post. It was very useful to see what their type of “ideal solution” would be.
- Fit to scope:
- Signatures addressed: visual thermal, IR, and RF
- Efficiency for each signature: 100% reduction (land or sea)
- Mass/volume: compatible with survival equipment
- Mobility: man portable
- Multi-functionality: yes
- Viablity:
- Implementation: cost estimate based on technology levels/capabilities
- Scalability: up to two users
- Feasibility:
- Readiness: 2.5 years
- Attainabilty of tech (patents, ITAR): obtainable by all Armed Forces
Air Solutions Updates:
Based off of the criteria, we determined that the transparent parachute and decoy ejection have potential. However, drone swarm cover and holograms do not.
Ground Solutions Updates:
Based off of the critera, metamaerials, multispectroal dual sided suits, zeolites have potential. However, micro drone swarms, drones, and holograms, do not.
New Ideas:
Our scope was widened to encompass radar signature reduction. We have been researching and talking to individuals knowledgable on the subject. There is a solution that could be potentially applied to our problem, which we will look more into for next week!