TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics OBJECTIVE: Current hearing protection headsets do not attenuate enough sound on their own and do not have an integrated radio allowing communication at short distances (for end-users without radios). The objective is to develop and test a hearing protection headset that enables clear integrated wireless radio communication for maintainers and aircrew in extreme continuous noise environments while also providing enough noise attenuation to protect the hearing of wearers without requiring two layers of protection. A successful system will increase mission effectiveness and speed by enabling constant clear communication (compared to hand signals and wired connection) and reduce warfighter discomfort and fatigue from needing to wear double hearing protection, which also further inhibits communication. DESCRIPTION: In line with several USAF Operational Imperatives (Tactical Air Dominance OI-4, Resilient Basing OI-5, and Readiness to Deploy and Flight OI-7) it is critical to improve the ability to maintain, launch, and support next generation and older aircrafts [1]. Communication on the flightline has largely remained in the 20th century, however, hindering these objectives for mantainers, engineers, and aircrew. Present communication methods include maintainers and aircrew using hand signals to communicate, shouting, interrupting present task to relocate to transmit message, and using an external wire to connect to an integrated communication system on a vehicle. Maintainers often need to remove their hearing protection (in these extreme noise environments often beyond 110dB) to be able to effectively communicate, which is a material contributor to hearing damage and tinnitus remaining prevalent across the Armed Forces [2], regardless of technical advances. A relevant quote from an AFRL 711 Human Performance Wing Interim Report is, Double hearing protection is often required in extreme high-noise environments, typically consisting of passive foam earplugs and a circumaural earmuff, headset, or helmet. Although a properly fit foam earplug has the potential to reduce the noise exposure, it also has unintended consequences, such as difficulty hearing an incoming communication signal or an improper fit leading to poor compliance, which can be detrimental to health and mission efficacy [3]. Double hearing protection, however, is extremely uncomfortable and it further inhibits communication, as outlined in the quote. Without the ability for maintainers and aircrew to communicate in real-time clearly, errors are more common and operations that would otherwise be simple in low-noise environments take tremendous time, reducing time for other critical tasks. Fatigue is also increased without the ability to effectively block out the high level of noise, further contributing to mistakes and reducing the readiness and health of USAF personnel. Novel technology that addresses adjacent challenges for consumer applications has become prevalent over the last decade [4] with earbud and headset devices like the AirPods that integrate active noise cancellation and other technologies enabling long-range communication. This SBIR topic is requesting proposals to develop a hearing protection headset integrating modern technology that can provide the same noise attenuation as double hearing protection in a single device (believed to be around 40dB NRR measured to the relevant ANSI standards) and integrated short-range communication communication capabilities to individuals wearing the same headset at ranges beyond 100 meters without an external base station. The headset must be slim and comfortable (tactical headset form factor) with best-in-class awareness/transparency mode and the integrated radio capability must not add material size or weight to headset, be detachable for Type 1 environments, be at least 256-bit encryption, and have range extendable to hundreds of meters through a mesh network. A successful system will increase mission effectiveness and speed by enabling constant clear communication (compared to hand signals and wired connection) and reduce warfighter discomfort and fatigue from needing to wear double hearing protection, which also further inhibits communication. PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made because of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Government expects the Offeror to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior Phase I-type effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Proposers are expected to include a thorough paper on their feasibility assessment of creating and manufacturing a system meeting the objective, aforementioned specifications, and traditional military and Air Force environmental requirements. Acoustic and cyber prototype testing results in relevant environments (i.e. a simulated flightline) are essential with the test methods and standards specified. One specific requirement is that proposers are expected to have at least developed commercial headset with adaptive active noise cancellation and 32dB of NRR attenuation achieved across entire frequency bandwidth (ANSI S3.19 1974). Proposers should also include a detailed list of their proposed specifications, demonstrating an awareness of current challenges and drawbacks for maintainers and aircrew and available technologies. PHASE II: In this Direct-to-Phase II, the offeror shall design, prototype, and test a modern headset for Maintainers and Aircrew that achieves the objectives in integrated radio communication and noise attenuation. It is expected several prototype iterations will be delivered through development for end-user testing and feedback, with the final version (TRL 8 and ready for production) meeting all threshold specifications established and regulatory requirements for normal operation. At least 25 headset samples must be delivered of the final design for extensive end-user testing. It will be critical for the proposer to conduct extensive testing validating the ability for the device to provide at least the same noise attenuation as approved double hearing protection solutions and wireless communication in a variety of harsh environments with next generation aircraft. They will need to work with the relevant hearing protection and cyber authorities such as the USAF Cyberspace Capabilities Center and the USAF Hearing Conservation Program. " PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Upon successful execution of this Direct-to-Phase II effort, where a TRL8 level is expected, the 1 FW will collaborate with ACC/A4 to transition the system across the Air Force and other branches of the Department of Defense working with the selected company to undergo pilot testing with many other units and engage with the programs of record. The developed headset would have several large commercial applications, starting with aviation ground operations at commercial and private airports. Other applications include heavy industrial facilities, commercial construction, and anywhere with a loud environment where communication is critical. REFERENCES: 1. United States Government. (n.d.). Department of the Air Force Operational Imperatives. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/2023SAF/OPERATIONAL_IMPARITIVES_INFOGRAPHIC.pdf 2. Barr, L. (2023, April 24). Report Reveals Military Hearing Loss is Stable. DVIDS. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/443266/report-reveals-military-hearing-loss-stable 3. Gallagher, H. L., Wynn, C. L., Williams, D. A., & Hopkins, C. E. (2022). (tech.). Investigating Double Hearing Protection: Performance of Filtered Earplugs Paired with Headsets/Helmets. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: Air Force Research Laboratory. 4. P. Crum, "Hearables: Here come the: Technology tucked inside your ears will augment your daily life," in IEEE Spectrum, vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 38-43, May 2019, doi: 10.1109/MSPEC.2019.8701198. KEYWORDS: Command and Control, Secure Communication, Hearing Conservation, Resilient Basing, Tactical Air Dominance, Readiness to Deploy and Flight, Hearing Protection, Wearable
