Sferic-Based Underground Geo-positioning (S-BUG)
Abstract
The Lightning Based (Sferic) Underground Geo-positioning (S-BUG) program addressed 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 could 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). Technologies have been made available to transition to the U.S. SOCOM and the Army.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- fc9b69aee0cc538a4a38448a0619b209
Related Documents
- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY