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Leveraging COTS Products for Maneuverable Aerial Identification

Although ground troops are equipped with identification, friend or foe (IFF) devices, many fratricide cases still occur during air-to-ground operations. This research project explored how relatively inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies can be leveraged to construct a maneuverable aerial identification friend-or-foe (MAIFF) device.

The maneuverable aerial identification friend-or-foe (MAIFF) prototype drone used for this research. (Image: Naval Postgraduate School)

Ground troops are equipped with identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) devices. When they are engaged in a firefight, they seek cover and concealment, and consequently, their attached IFF are also covered and concealed. The situation is aggravated when firefights happen at night in vegetated areas, presenting additional challenges for air force pilots when conducting close air support (CAS) operations. Hence, ground troops need to be able to deploy a visual reference above the canopy of vegetation while they remain concealed physically. By contrast, the absence of visual reference may result in the delay of pilots positively identifying the friendly forces; provide additional time for enemy action; expose aircraft unnecessarily; and potentially cause fratricide.

This research project explored how relatively inexpensive commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) technologies can be leveraged to construct a maneuverable aerial identification friend-or-foe (MAIFF) device. It would serve as a visual reference to enhance the situation awareness (SA) of pilots performing night CAS operations. This maneuverable device does not have a direct back azimuth to the soldier’s specific location.

A systems engineering approach was employed to produce a prototype MAIFF using a sub-250 gram quadcopter drone mounted with infrared lights and other electronic and non-electronic parts—referred to in this project as the lamp. Hence, a MAIFF device is composed of a lamp mounted on a drone. The lamp weights 17 grams and has a diameter of 50.58 mm and a height of 25.59 mm. The lamp uses nine pieces of 3 mm infrared lights powered by two 3V coin batteries. The illumination provided by the lamp is invisible to the naked eye. It can only be seen using a night vision device. Its illumination can last six hours and visible up to one mile away. The lamp’s mounting design is stable and versatile, enabling the lamp and the drone to fly as one unit. This study designed a scenario-based test to measure whether the use of the MAIFF device improves the situation awareness of troops—particularly for pilots conducting night CAS operations. The conduct of the actual scenario-based test is not part of the study.

Nevertheless, the designed test may serve as a ready reference for regular training between major services, or during joint training exercises involving partner nations. The research study recommends conducting a scenario-based test as a step towards MAIFF adoption by military organizations. Testing the MAIFF will determine whether it enhances situation awareness, reduces the occurrence of fratricide, and increases the lethality of close air support operations. The test can be done during regular training with the army and the air force, or during joint training exercises between the armed forces of the Philippines and the United States.

In limited visibility situations, runway lights and approach lights significantly help pilots to connect the data from the cockpit to the physical runway on the ground. In approaching for a landing, the first runway light that becomes visible significantly influences the final decision of the pilots. Visual reference facilitates an accurate and safe landing. This principle is also present in conducting close air support (CAS) operations in limited visibility situations.

CAS is needed when friendly ground forces are engaged with hostile enemy in close proximity. It entails a well-coordinated delivery of air munitions in tandem with the fire and maneuver of the ground troops. Before the pilots fire a weapon, they need ample information about the location of the friendly forces and the enemy. Pilots have initial data from the cockpit. A visual reference from the actual terrain will contribute to a safe and effective conduct of CAS. By contrast, the absence of visual reference may result in the delay of pilots positively identifying the ground forces; provide additional time for enemy action; expose aircraft unnecessarily; and potentially cause fratricide.

This work was performed by Ernest John C. Jadloc for the Naval Postgraduate School. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) here  under the Vehicles and Robotics category.

Topics:
Aerospace Aircraft Defense Military vehicles and equipment Threat Location, Targeting, & Surveillance Unmanned Air Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS) Vehicles
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Document cover
Leveraging COTS Products for Maneuverable Aerial Identification

(reference NPS-0623) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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    Magazine cover
    Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine

    This article first appeared in the May, 2023 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine (Vol. 8 No. 3).

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.

    Overview

    The document is a master's thesis titled "Safe and Effective Close Air Support: Leveraging COTS Products for Maneuverable Aerial Identification, Friend or Foe," authored by Ernest John C. Jadloc and submitted to the Naval Postgraduate School in June 2022. The thesis addresses the critical issue of close air support (CAS) in military operations, particularly focusing on the challenges of accurately identifying friendly forces to prevent fratricide.

    In modern warfare, the complexity of the battlefield has increased significantly, with various forces operating in close proximity. This complexity necessitates reliable identification systems to distinguish between friendly and enemy units. The thesis explores the potential of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products to enhance aerial identification capabilities. COTS products are commercially available technologies that can be adapted for military use, offering cost-effective and innovative solutions.

    The author discusses the limitations of existing identification systems and the need for improvements to ensure the safety and effectiveness of CAS operations. The thesis emphasizes that traditional methods of identification may not suffice in dynamic and rapidly changing combat environments. By leveraging COTS technologies, the military can enhance situational awareness and improve decision-making processes for air support personnel.

    The document outlines various COTS products that could be integrated into existing military systems, highlighting their advantages in terms of cost, accessibility, and adaptability. The author advocates for a systematic approach to evaluate and implement these technologies, ensuring they meet the operational requirements of military forces.

    Additionally, the thesis examines the implications of improved identification systems on overall mission success and troop safety. By reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents, the military can enhance operational effectiveness and maintain the trust of ground forces in air support capabilities.

    In conclusion, Jadloc's thesis presents a compelling case for the integration of COTS products into military aerial identification systems. It underscores the importance of innovation in addressing contemporary challenges in close air support and advocates for a proactive approach to enhance the safety and effectiveness of military operations. The views expressed in the thesis are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

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