Acoustics help troops pinpoint snipers

March 3, 2005
An acoustic device called Boomerang and developed by BBN Technologies, Cambridge, Mass., is protecting soldiers traveling in convoys against snipers.

An acoustic device called Boomerang and developed by BBN Technologies, Cambridge, Mass. (www.bbn.com), is protecting soldiers traveling in convoys against snipers. Using an array of five acoustic sensors, it picks up the supersonic shock wave created by the firing rifle, as well as the muzzle blast, which travels at the speed of sound. Boomerang compares the two signals and determines the azimuth from which the shot was fired to within 15°. U.S. soldiers use this data to target their weapons.

Boomerang's five sensors are mounted on an aluminum pole on about 50 Humvees in Iraq. A dashboard-mounted display gives visual and audio warnings of where the incoming rounds are coming from.

Boomerang detects AK-47 fire and rocket-propelled grenades launched from 50 to 150 m and takes only a second to come up with a heading. It works in urban environments and even while Humvees are moving at up to 60 mph over rough terrain.

The systems cost about $10,000, but BBN is trying to get that down to $3,000. Eventually, the military plans to network several Boomerang-equipped Humvees and precisely triangulate enemy positions.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 16, 2025
Clean. Compact. Less heat.
April 16, 2025
SEW-EURODRIVE Introduces DR2C motor, IE5 Ultra-Premium Efficiency Motor
March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!