SBIR/STTR Award attributes
The continued maturation and technological sophistication of near-peer adversary fleets has necessitated an upgrading of the US Fleet’s sensors and associated systems. Directed energy (DE) systems offer an attractive counter-ISR ability, and Office of Naval Research (ONR) investments in prototype DE Laser Weapons Systems (LWS) have demonstrated the ability to dazzle UAV sensors at operationally relevant distances. Given a LWS has graduated effects from dazzle to destroy, low engagement cost, and nearly unlimited depth of magazine it has great promise for other mission areas. These new and sophisticated LWS capabilities require a highly effective and usable operator console and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) so that the Laser Weapons Control Operator (LWCO) can effectively manage and control the wide variety of tasking for which the system is designed. Developing this new console and its HMI poses a number of human factors challenges that Pacific Science & Engineering (PSE) has the experience and expertise to address. A new console in the Combat Information Center (CIC) will require a detailed workflow analysis and thoughtful design to ensure the development of a usable system for the Laser Weapons Control Operator (LWCO) watchstander position. PSE proposes to apply its proven UCD process for IWS 2.0 to the development of an LWCO HMI for the future DE system and future program of record. PSE proposes four main objectives across the Phase II Base and Option: Extend, refine, and mature the existing high energy laser with integrated optical-dazzler and surveillance (HELIOS) prototype via human factors support to government lab (Phase II Base). Develop and refine mockups and interactive prototype for the future DE Increment (Inc) 2 system based on planned and future capabilities with (Created in Phase II Base and updated in Phase II Option I). Document the DE system design with (a) a functional description document (FDD) to facilitate implementation by a prime developer / Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and (Phase II Option I) (b) create a DE program style guide with (Created in Phase II Base and updated in Phase II Option). Demonstrate, test, and validate the DE prototype (Phase II Option I) As part of the UCD process, PSE will develop a number of key products and artifacts to ultimately inform the development of the future DE Inc 2 system: Workflows, Personas, and Scenarios Style Guidance Designs and Prototyping Prioritized Recommendations Evaluation / Human Performance Studies PSE’s guiding philosophy and specialization is to bring science and analytic rigor to the analysis and development of end user tools and displays. Through its experiences reviewed above, working on Navy advanced development systems for decades, it has constantly striven to bring thoughtful, carefully reasoned, and rigorous products that represent end user domain task and cognitive requirements to bear to influence development of new capabilities.
