ARVCOP (Augmented Reality Visualization of the Common Operation Picture)

Information Assurance/Situational Awareness is cited as absolutely essential by numerous commands. ARVCOP was originally developed (with CTTSO/ EOD/LIC support) to facilitate small craft operations in coastal counter-mine operations involving a mix of command, manned, and unmanned elements. The system provides both navigational capabilities (charts, etc.) and tactical capabilities (Blue Force Tracking, messaging) to support mission objectives. It is currently installed on platforms including Riverine Assault Craft, RHIBs, large vessels (HSV-2 Swift), Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs - operational on both land and water), and trucks. An iPhone/Blackberry variant is planned for release in the near future. The Augmented Reality component of ARVCOP overlays tactical and navigation information on live sensor feeds, significantly increasing situational awareness and reducing operator workload. Read the full ARVCOP Technical Brief

Navy Ship Hull Database

EOD dive teams responding to underwater missions are currently constrained in their preparation and missions, due to reliance on limited drawings in a usable format. Often divers must use hand sketches taken from larger drawings in the ship’s library to prepare their dive packages. The Space and Naval Warfare Center is developing the Navy Ship Hull Database, a repository of ship hull drawings using editor/viewer software, to give the dive team the ability to create a dive package noting all intakes and areas of caution to help the diver navigate along the bottom of the ship. The team members on dock are able to mark the diver’s findings on the drawings in the event a threat is found so that the diver will know exactly where to return to perform the proper disposal procedures. This database will be available for military use only.

Military Critical Incident Response Technology Seminars

(MILCIRTS) are EOD/LIC-managed forums designed to gather technology requirements to counter emerging terrorist threats and to support the EOD mission. The seminars bring together subject matter experts (SMEs) and EOD technicians at regional seminars. By using a theme-based approach, the SMEs present up-to-date terrorist threat information that feeds into live-fire scenarios. The EOD teams use their existing tool kits to render-safe the scenario problem. At the conclusion, the users identify technology gaps that, if addressed, would improve the render-safe action by reducing the hazard to the EOD technician. Due to operational tempo and to prevent duplication of effort, MILCIRTS is integrated into an existing pre-deployment training course, the Global Anti-Terrorism Operational Readiness Course (GATOR).

Night Vision for Bomb Suit

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units are required to conduct search, clearing, and render-safe operations of suspected explosive devices in support of ongoing combat operations. EOD operators are required to conduct these operations during hours of limited or no visibility. As a result, EOD units require an enhanced nightvision capability while using the Advanced Bomb Suit with the EOD-9 helmet. Prototype systems designed for the EOD-8 helmet and face shield were redesigned and modified for specific operation and use with the new EOD-9 helmet and visor using image intensified cameras, short wavelength infrared cameras, nonvisible illuminators, and various head-mounted display systems. The prototypes for the EOD-9 helmet were successfully evaluated by the Joint Service EOD. The Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City is currently working with Program Manager-Soldier Survivability to complete final product development and field the system in quantities in the second quarter of FY 2008.

Combatant Diver Display Mask

The Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, working with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, completed the successful development and final testing of the Combatant Diver Display Mask (CDDM). This mask displays critical life-support information in a digital readout and is capable of being read in light or dark conditions, regardless of water clarity. Depth, bottom time, and tank pressure information ensure the safety of the diver at all times. The Naval Sea Systems Command has authorized the purchase and use of the by Navy/Marine Corps diving units, and the Marine Corps plans an initial operational capability in FY 2007. The mask is commercially available as the Heads-Up Mask from Oceanic Worldwide. Additional information is available at http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/p_computers_iddm.html.

Joint EOD Digital Reporting and Tracking System

The Naval Surface Warfare Center and the Naval EOD Technology Division developed the Joint EOD Digital Reporting and Tracking System (JDIGS) for use by all U.S. military services to digitally capture joint service EOD incident reports. This repository of reports helps users to identify threat trends, equipment use, and manpower. Currently, there are over 700 registered JDIGS users, 90% of whom are operational personnel. Over 9000 joint reports have been logged into the system with direct feedback to the user, and these totals are increasing daily. The database is available to Joint Service EOD personnel on SIPRNET. Requests for additional information should be sent to EODLICWeb@eodlic.cttso.gov.

Special Operations Forces/Tactical Decision Aids

Battelle Memorial Institute developed the Special Operations Forces Tactical Decision Aid (SOF-TDA) to provide automated calculations and reference material for the analysis of selected targets. The SOF-TDA software analyzes systems, subsystems, and components of the eight major infrastructure systems and develops a flow sheet diagramming the chosen target. The core of this project is the automation of the CARVER matrix, which allows the user to weight items identified on the flow chart with the objective parameters of the mission. This analysis examines all information on a given target, determines what parts of the target are vulnerable to attack, and assesses the subsequent down time or possible destructive effects. In FY05 the product was fielded to over 400 SOF teams. The SOF Engineer Sergeants’ Course is also included in the software package. This software is available to SOF; requests for additional information should be sent to EODLICWeb@eodlic.cttso.gov.

Integrated Diver Display Mask (IDDM)

A prototype Integrated Diver Display Mask (IDDM) has been developed to provide critical life support information to combat swimmers in extremely low visibility conditions. The dive mask system displays information such as depth, bottom time, and tank pressure. This mask technology is being transitioned to a U.S. Marine Corps acquisition program for further development.

* Selected as one of the Top 100 Tech Innovations for 2003 by Popular Science Magazine (December 2003 issue).

EOD Tactical Decision Aids (TDA)

On-scene technicians must quickly determine safe withdrawal distances, calculate stay times, determine necessary damage mitigation actions and potentially perform calculations to limit personnel and property hazards. A multifunctional TDA was developed for calculating k-factor formulas for blast and fragmentation distances, downwind hazard areas, safe separation times, firing-train burn times, estimated crater sizes, and other critical information. Field technicians may currently run the software on a PC, however future development will allow them to use the TDA with a palmtop device. The TDA has been fielded to Joint Service EOD, the FBI and ATF, and utilized during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mission Support Cell

Timely decision support and knowledge management capabilities are key components of successful EOD operations. The 24-hour mission support cell enables EOD forces to meet complex terrorist and wartime threats by coordinating responses through digital, voice and video communications.

Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Publication System – Next Generation

The Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Publication System – Next Generation (AEODPS-NG) was fielded to Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps EOD units around the world as well as to other domestic agencies. The AEODPS-NG system provides an improved ordnance search capability, with more data and digital images than the previous system. The 1650 sets shipped in December 2003 will be used as secondary publication systems until the Defense Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process (DITSCAP) is completed and final EOD approval is granted. It is anticipated that AEODPS-NG will become the primary EOD publication system for U.S. forces by March 2004.