Use of disparate sensors for the detection of chemical and biological events

Abstract

Currently, the detection of Chemical and Biological (C/B) agents on the battlefield is limited to the response from point and standoff C/B agent detectors. Speculation has been raised, however, that non-C/B sensors could assist in the detection process. Data from unattended ground sensors, infrared imagers, and radar may provide useful information to support a detection and may actually provide some warning capability. Ideally, these devices would provide this information while providing the core Force Protection functions assigned to them. Over the last year, the Soldier and Biological Chemical Command has conducted outdoor testing to collect seismic, acoustic, infrared, and radar signatures from conventional (high explosive -HE) and nonconventional (simulated chemical) events to determine ifthese events can be separated. Preliminary results using several high resolution-laboratory grade seismic, acoustic and IR sensors would indicate that these sensors provide useful discrimination information.