AFRL Connects Warfighters With Intuitive Battlefield Technology

  • Published
  • By John Schutte AFRL/RHOR
  • Human Effectiveness Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  AFRL engineers responded quickly to an Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) challenge to solve a nagging combat problem related to directing air strikes against enemy positions. They developed and delivered a simple, lightweight, user-friendly cable enabling the transfer of critical target location data from a laser range finder to a personal computer (PC) for processing. AFRL's prototype entails a cable that is not only slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, but also more efficient and easier to use in the field. More importantly, the human-centered design cuts precious seconds off the time needed to establish a connection between handheld Mark VII laser range finders and wearable laptop PCs. For JTAC personnel in the midst of controlling precision air attacks against enemy targets located near friendly troops, every second counts and efficiency is vital to mission success.

AFRL engineers responded rapidly to the cable request, using existing funds available under the Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided kNowledge (BATMAN) program. A goal of the BATMAN program is to continuously review and improve battlefield technology in order to make warfighters more effective.

The engineering team designed the new cable, fabricated the prototype, and conducted in-house testing of the product. They named their product Grabs M, a moniker describing the cable's capacity to "grab" only that digital data which is required (i.e., pertinent to the operation). Upon establishing the prototype design, the engineers turned to Future Technology Devices International, Ltd. (FTDI), a United Kingdombased manufacturer specializing in the conversion of older communications devices to universal serial bus technology. FTDI's Oregon office ruggedized the design for military use and subsequently built the production cables. The company now lists the item as a product available for direct purchase.

At just 7 ft long, Grabs-M is half the length of the older cable. It is also 75% lighter and takes up 59% less space, important factors for JTACs, who may carry up to 150 lbs of gear into the battlefield. In addition, cable length is simple to adjust, and damaged cables are easily repaired. There are also significant cost savings; Air Force Special Operations Command pays approximately $17 for one new Grabs-M cable, compared to the $500-$1,000 price tag of cables providing similar functionality.