Mobile Detection Assessment and Response Systems (MDARS): A Force Protection, Physical Security Operational Success

Abstract

MDARS is a semi-autonomous unmanned ground vehicle with intrusion detection & assessment, and product & barrier assessment payloads. Its functions include surveillance, security, early warning, incident first response and product and barrier status primarily focused on a depot/munitions security mission at structured/semi-structured facilities. MDARS is in Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) under the Product Manager for Force Protection Systems (PMFPS). MDARS capabilities include semi-autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, motion detection, day and night imagers, radio frequency tag inventory/barrier assessment and audio challenge and response. Four SDD MDARS Patrol Vehicles have been undergoing operational evaluation at Hawthorne Army Depot, NV (HWAD) since October 2004. Hawthorne personnel were trained to administer, operate and maintain the system in accordance with the US Army Military Police School (USAMPS) Concept of Employment and the PM-FPS MDARS Integrated Logistic Support Plan. The system was subjected to intensive periods of evaluation under the guidance and control of the Army Test and Evaluation Center (ATEC) and PM-FPS. Significantly, in terms of user acceptance, the system has been under the operational control of the installation performing security and force protection missions in support of daily operations. This evaluation is intended to assess MDARS operational effectiveness in an operational environment. Initial observations show that MDARS provides enhanced force protection, can potentially reduce manpower requirements by conducting routine tasks within its design capabilities and reduces Soldier exposure in the initial response to emerging incidents and situations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA449408

Entities

People

  • Brian Shoop
  • Brian Skibba
  • Jon Moneyhun
  • Michael B Johnston
  • Richard Goehring

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Army Procurement
  • Collision Avoidance
  • Detection
  • Intrusion Detection
  • Intrusion Detection Systems
  • Intrusion Detectors
  • Navigation
  • Physical Security
  • Radio Frequency
  • Robotics
  • Security
  • Security Personnel
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Systems
  • Unmanned Vehicles

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs