Intelligence

Advanced Remote Ground Unattended Sensor (ARGUS) Systems

ARGUS is a transformational system that provides joint forces and other commanders with Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) derived information on designated, high-priority, mobile enemy systems autonomously. It provides cross-cueing for wide area sensors on Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms such as the JSTARS, Predator, U-2, or Global Hawk. The long-term vision if for ARGUS to be a family of MASINT Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) which can be air-delivered or hand-emplaced, and is designed for 24/7 operations worldwide. Each sensor is self-contained with internal power, 2-way satellite communications, sensor suite, signal processing, and a self-locating / orienting capability. It is transformational because it has enormous potential to be delivered off of almost any aircraft and to incorporate any type of sensor in support of countless missions in a network-centric fashion.

ARGUS is a family of unattended sensors that will initially be based on the STEEL EAGLE Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration sponsored by the Defense Intelligence Agency's Central Measurements & Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) Office. ARGUS will initially include seismic and acoustic sensors, low voltage electronics, a battery, a sensor container, an aerodynamic delivery body, air brake subsystems, and a communications transceiver. ARGUS will also be configured as a hand in-place unit. Remote monitoring stations, communications interfaces, mission planning tools, and pre-deployment checkout equipment will also be developed.

ARGUS will be integrated into the DoD intelligence and communications architectures and will be deployed according to pre-deployment mission planning. To deploy ARGUS, an overlay tool on a mission-planning tool, such as Geographic Area Limitation Environment (GALE), will be used. ARGUS will be pre-operationally checked out and uploaded on an F-15 (or similar aircraft configured with BRU-46/47 bomb racks). Once deployed, the sensors will communicate to a remote monitoring station via a military or commercial satellite communications system. The sensor messages will be reformatted into a standard Tactical Information Broadcast Service (TIBS) and/or Tactical Receive Equipment (TRE) and related Applications (TRAP) message(s) and broadcast to appropriate Command and Control or Intelligence Centers. The physical location will be independent of the function.

Due to an indefinite delay of the anticipated Air Force FY02 POM and FY03 APOM decisions, the ARGUS Solicitation No. F19628-00-R-0045 has been cancelled. If/When the ARGUS program is funded via either the FY02 POM or FY03 APOM a new Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) will be issued for Industry review and comments. The USAF plans to conduct the ARGUS program to address a critical Air Force requirement to detect, track, identify, and report Time Critical Targets (TCTs) such as TBM Transporter-Erector-Launchers (TEL), SA-6's, Tanks, and support vehicles. The overall objective of the ARGUS program is to initially acquire sensors, satellite communications interface, mission planning tools, pre-operational checkout equipment, and remote monitoring equipment, based on the Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). Initial capability will include acoustic and seismic sensors with potential follow-on block upgrades for additional sensor types developed through a spiral development process.