Sferic-Based Underground Geo-positioning (S-BUG)
Abstract
The Lightning Based (Sferic) Underground Geo-positioning program will address the challenges presented when navigating and tracking within underground structures, both manmade and natural, by exploiting the abundance and long propagation range of naturally occurring global lightning events. As conceived, surface receivers at known locations will compare time difference of arrival of very low frequency (VLF) sferic events and employ super-resolution correlation techniques to accurately determine the VLF source locations. Any subsurface receiver will also detect the sferics, and real time or post-mission correlation with the surface data will enable geo-location of the subsurface receiver. Exploitation of naturally-occurring, nondeniable signals has the potential to significantly reduce logistical requirements and increase operational standoff by orders of magnitude (1000+ km). Transition to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the U.S. Army is anticipated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- a9ba660356853f681b7b436ff2c8b7ab
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- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY