IV.J.03—Army Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) Evaluation.  This program provides the baseline technical/operational evaluation of algorithms developed by industry/academia/government against established datasets to ensure the functional performance of ATRs meets established requirements in accordance with previously established evaluation technology and associated metrics. By FY96, 1) establish a beta site for RASSP and initiate architectural assessments of ATRs operating in tanks and ground stations, and 2) define open system processing architecture based on commercial and MIL–STD practices, and assess 2nd Gen FLIR algorithms to cue operators to targets. By FY97, extend algorithm assessment to millimeter wave radar and demonstrate rapid prototyping of processor modules utilizing computer–aided design techniques and commercial/DARPA developed tool sets to reduce the development time by 30% and reduce module cost by a factor of 10. By FY98, implement critical target acquisition algorithms at the module level. By FY99, extend algorithm assessment to multisensor fusion and integrate and demonstrate advanced ATR algorithms integrated with a multimodule processor and smart focal plane array.

Supports: Dismounted Battlespace, Mounted Battlespace, Depth and Simultaneous Attack, Battle Command, Early Entry Lethality & Survivability, Target Acquisition ATD, Aerial Scout Sensors Integration TD.

IV.J.04—Soldier Individual Power Source.  By FY96, using the best available hydrogen–air Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell technology: (1) Demonstrate a fuel cell powered battery charger that can provide 1200 watt–hour of charging per Kg of fuel. (2) Evaluate pressurized hydrogen/oxygen PEM fuel cell systems and determine whether further development of such systems will be advantageous over the more near–term hydrogen/air systems. Demonstrate a 50 watt/200 watt–hour fuel cell power supply weighing 2 Kg and characterize a unit capable of 500 watt–hours. By FY98, using best available hydrogen/air, hydrogen/oxygen or liquid fueled PEM fuel cell technology, demonstrate a 50 watt/200 watt–hour fuel cell power supply that weighs less than 1 Kg and 150 watt/600 watt–hour unit weighing less than 2.5 Kg.

Supports: Generation II Soldier, 21 CLW, DBBL, SOF.

IV.J.06—Ferroelectric Phase Shifter Materials.  The cost of phased array antenna is predominantly dependent on the cost of its microwave phase shifter. This STO will develop the processing methodology to produce a microwave phase shifter from a low–cost, low–power dissipation, voltage driven ferroelectric composite ceramic and thereby reduce the cost of a phase shifter element from $5000 to $200. By FY96, demonstrate thick–film low–low phase shifter material for use at 15GHz. By FY97, demonstrate a thick film phase shifter material for use at 25GHz. By FY98, demonstrate a thick film, low cost phase shifter material in phased array antenna operating at 35GHz. The product of this STO will be a prototype replacement for the "ferrite phase shifter element" designed in mid to higher communication frequencies for the "geodesic cone antenna component" in the following systems: Ground Based Common Sensor; Air Reconnaissance Low, Aerial Common Sensor, Advanced Quickfix; Guardrail.

Supports: Technology for Affordability, PEO–IEW, Battle Command Battle Lab.

IV.J.07—High–Energy, Cost–Effective Primary and Rechargeable Batteries.  Modify cost–effective commercial technologies so that they can be used for both training and combat. By FY99 produce a low–cost, pseudo–rechargeable, environmentally benign battery (less than $0.05/Wh) for use in training and low–rate applications, with the possibility of recharging these for limited numbers of cycles before discarding. By FY00, provide prototypes for field trials of long cycle life rechargeable batteries, used for both training and Special Operations missions, having an energy content 20% greater than the existing nickel–metal hydride battery. The goals will be to reduce manufacturing cost, while maximizing performance and safety. By FY01, demonstrate proof–of–principle prototypes of the most cost effective, safe high performance primary battery with greater than 300 Wh/kg.

Supports: PEO–C³S, SOCOM, PM–TRCS, PM–SOLDIER, SSCOM, Land Warrior, Air Warrior, Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab, Task Force XXI.