In Dense Urban Environments (DUEs), a new and evolving battlefield, the ability to detect and respond quickly to multiple threats in complex environments (e.g., snipers on rooftops or in windows) is critical and is extremely important to both civilian and military tactical needs. Response latency in the critical moments after the beginning of an attack can significantly increase casualties. SWIFT ARROW uses new technology advances in distributed sensing to rapidly detect and localize threats such as shootings or bombings over wide areas, and respond immediately using autonomously cued small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The UAVS can quickly confirm the threat at close proximity for identification, putting eyes on the threats in seconds, not minutes, enabling action to disrupt and neutralize the threat in accordance with Rules of Engagement (ROEs). These situations require systems to be portable, easy to deploy, repositionable, and cost effective, for wide distribution and coverage quickly where it is needed most, whether at a platoon or civilian police level.
