Night Vision Systems Advanced Development

This project enables development of emerging capabilities for the maneuver force, that are envisioned by the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE), the Maneuver Capabilities Development Integration Directorate (MCDID), the Science and Technology (S&T) community, industry partners or the acquisition workforce that may provide the Soldier or Squad increased capability to "fight, win and survive, day and night, in a multi- domain environment now and tomorrow." This project also allows pursuit of technology breakthroughs that challenge current technical solutions and have the potential for providing increased Soldier performance. This effort focuses on capabilities that enable modernization of Soldier sensor and situational awareness devices, including features and enhanced solutions to detect, recognize and identify targets, and to provide target acquisition and handoff. The integration of higher performing multi-spectral sensors with smart processing will provide adjusted weapon sight reticles and leverage network connectivity for improved situational awareness/understanding. Additional project capabilities include advanced optical components and assemblies and techniques for signature management, resiliency across the electromagnetic spectrum, and integration of a modular design structure for target acquisition applications including support for wireless data transfer, passive range determination, technologies for working in a global positioning system (GPS) contested environment, advanced GPS replacement technologies and mitigation of manned and unmanned threat sensor systems. This project also supports efforts for improved power and energy utilization and optimization across the Soldier and small unit. This project includes costs for efforts associated with development, certification, verification and validation of interface products into the Adaptive Squad Architecture (ASA). Funding in this project aligns with Army's priorities in support of the National Defense Strategy.

Project VT8 (Soldier Precision Targeting Devices - Advanced Development) enables development of emerging technologies for Handheld Fires (HHF) that are envisioned by the Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE), the Fires Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (FCDID), the Science and Technology (S&T) community, industry partners and the acquisition workforce that provide the Fire Support Soldier increased capability and reduced weight to improve operational effectiveness. This project focuses on developing component technologies and representative prototype systems for Soldier portable precision targeting devices to continue improvements to system performance while reducing size, weight, and power required by those systems. The effort will consider emerging Micro-Electronic Modules (MEMs) technologies for improved efficiency and performance. Efforts will improve the Soldier's ability to precisely locate and laser designate targets across a broader range of operating environments, including all weather conditions and in GPS-contested environments using active and passive methods and technologies. Component technology development will precede integration into specific systems and will include improved Precision Azimuth and Vertical Angle Measurement (PAVAM) devices; solid-state, improved lasers for range finding/designation/marking; novel passive target acquisition methods; electro-optical sensors such as infrared, near-infrared, ultra-violet, and visible spectrum imagers; sensor and data fusion; laser designator spot detection and imaging; integration of advanced power management technologies, and Global Positioning System (GPS) Military (M)-Code receivers. The effort will also develop, mature and integrate next generation sensors to enable Human Machine Integration improving situational awareness and combat overmatch in complex environments. Funding in this project aligns with Army's priorities in support of the National Defense Strategy.