PILAR Sniper Countermeasures System

Features

• Vibro-acoustic Sniper countermeasure system
• Employs 01dB-Metravib’s Acoustic Detection Technology
• Detects direction and distance of gunshots and explosive events
• Automatic scanning for preemptive sniper detection, high-speed pan and tilt when combined with the PILAR Versatile Observation Turret (PIVOT)
• Audio warning and full display of information on external LCD within three seconds of event detection
• GDS Certified by US SOC for ground and vehicular application
• Optional video recording on two video channels (day and optional night vision)
• Appropriate for use in-theater
• Multiple configuration options for personnel, vehicle protection, and site surveillance
• Wide detection capability – 5.45 mm – 20 mm weapons with and without silencers, mortars, RPGs and launchers
• Shot database: All events are recorded and an activity report can be generated
• Intuitive user interface
• Modular system allows rapid deployment and portability

Description

The PILAR™ Sniper Countermeasures System (PILAR) was developed by 01dB-Metravib to detect the direction and distance of a gunshot. By using muzzle blast and shock wave information, the PILAR can indicate the shot source in order to allow quick reaction. The PILAR can be interfaced with remote weapons stations, GPS or inertial-navigation systems.c

Because it is built of combat-proven fielded technology, the PILAR is appropriate for use in Iraq and other war theaters as a tactical response in the changing battlefield. The PILAR is ideally suited for urban warfare and can be used by small groups of soldiers to support friendly forces during patrols in urban areas.

Transportable and deployable by a single person in less than thirty minutes, the PILAR allows fully automated operation and permanent surveillance alongside fast deployment. Operation can be manned or autonomous.

The PILAR system uses a five-pound foldable acoustic sensor array to detect and measure the shock wave and muzzle blast from any weapon firing 5.45 to 20-mm ammunition. Signals from the microphones on the array are sent to an eight-pound Data Interface Acquisition Module (DIAM), which processes the information in under two seconds and then displays the results on a ruggedized PC laptop. Using the data from the DIAM, specific configurations of the PILAR have the capability to provide a 3-D view of the location of a shooter. When a shot occurs, the display of the PILAR shows the origin of the shot and the trajectory of the bullet. The sensor array and DIAM require a 10- to 30-volt DC battery supply or may be powered by a vehicle’s electrical system.

MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS

The PILAR is fieldable in a number of configurations – integrated into a soldier-portable system, as a site surveillance system, or as a stand-alone vehicle-mounted system. Tested for use in an airstrip environment, the PILAR is appropriate for bases, building complexes, and airfields. The vehicle-mounted and site surveillance systems have been Certified by the US Special Operations Command in the Gunshot Detection Systems (GDS) category, and are currently available off-the-shelf. CANBERRA Albuquerque anticipates that some engineering will be required to improve integration and communication before soldier-portable and airborne systems are fieldable.

One application is for a stationary system that uses multiple arrays positioned 50 meters apart. The system can triangulate the origin of the gunshot within two degrees and then display the shooter’s approximate range up to 1500 meters. A two-array system can be coupled with an observation turret, fitted with a day or night camera that is automatically targeted by the PILAR’s shot origin. The accuracy and recognition is improved, and the picture of the shooter is available allowing a fast and appropriate reaction.

The PILAR is mountable on virtually any vehicle. Because the 01dB-Metravib based system can separate gunshot noise from vehicle self-noise, accurate readings are available during vehicle operation. In its vehicle-mounted configuration, the PILAR can be configured to detect only aggressive shots, or to detect all gunshots in the area around the vehicle. The vehicle-mounted system uses a single array and can locate a sniper’s position to within five degrees while the vehicle is moving. New system improvements allow communication with on-board vehicle systems including remotely controlled weapons. The vehicle configuration can be connected to a small PDA for a comm-link and easily installed inside the vehicle. Prototype testing has shown that the PILAR is fieldable as a helicopter-mounted self-defense unit which could detect the location of and optically track an enemy sniper.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE INTEGRATION

The PILAR can be integrated into several new configurations, including the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). With additional engineering, a UAV could be equipped with the PILAR sniper detection system alongside an optical surveillance system, a weapon system, and a self-kill explosive store. Specific engineering is needed to qualify that a UAV-mounted system can detect sniper fire aimed at ground forces.

POTENTIAL TACTICAL APPLICATIONS

• UAV supported by CANBERRA Smart Video autonomously patrols an area before personnel deployment.
• Smart Video-supported camera data sent to in-theater personnel and off-site operator.
• Data communication between ground and air.
• UAV detects, tracks, and destroys hostile forces.
• Integration with IED jamming devices.
• Interface with scope on weapon.
• Wearable and usable by individual on foot.
• Data can be shared between several soldiers and information transmitted to the team commander.