Date: Apr 25, 2014 Source: SBIR.gov (
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Dynamic threat warning capabilities have the potential to provide enhanced situational awareness to warfighters, and thereby, save lives. Under a Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project, Next Century Corporation has developed the Threat Warning System (TWS). The system detects and classifies radio frequency (RF) emissions from any direction and has an accuracy of detecting signals from 360 degrees up to 5 kilometers away and within a 2 degree line of bearing. TWS displays a line of bearing to the signal on a wrist-worn map display and features an easy-to-use interface that illustrates real-time threat information in a geospatial context. In addition, the system is based on Open Architecture, which allows for future improvements. Additional development work on the technology focused on miniaturization and ruggedization of the device, as well as interconnecting multiple devices to enable targeting capabilities.
Military and Commercial Significance
Next Century Corporation received nearly $2 million in Phase I and Phase II SBIR funding from DoD for its Threat Warning System. The company also was awarded an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) contract worth over $862,000 to further develop the technology. DoD awarded the MANPACK ACTD contract.
Sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Strategic and Tactical Systems, the MANPACK ACTD served as a vehicle for transition of next-generation technology into the Ground Signal Intelligence Kit variant of the Joint Threat Warning System.
The ACTD effort was recognized as the 2006 ACTD of the Year.
The core technology in the system could be used as an advanced signal search product, with uses in the wireless communications area. The technology also has applications in border protection applications to detect RF emissions, as well as in prison systems to detect unauthorized cell phone usage.
