Long-Range Listening Device

Level 2 (Self)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
None
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Microelectronics
|
Sustainment & Logistics
KEYWORDS
Listening; Long-Range; Audio; Counterintelligence; Human Intelligence; Intelligence
OBJECTIVE
Develop and demonstrate a long-range listening device capable of accurately identifying and recording sounds at a distance.
DESCRIPTION
Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Marines perform intelligence operations in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations, with a focus on the collection of information and identification of threats posed by hostile organizations, espionage, sabotage, subversion, or terrorism. They require organic, portable capabilities to aid in the collection of information for intelligence reporting to decision makers. The capability to surveil sounds from a distance enhances their toolset. While long-range listening devices exist, innovation is required to meet the Marine Corps' portability, range, target area, accuracy, and recording requirements.
This SBIR topic seeks a small device that can accurately identify and record sounds at a distance.
Requirements for the Long-Range Listening Device
- Capable of effectively identifying and recording sounds at a distance of 200m (Threshold), while maintaining a minimal terminal target area of no more than 2 meters (Threshold).
- Capture and deliver sufficient recorded sound quality and target precision (at range) for a human listener to reliably differentiate voice, mechanical noises, and natural sounds such as wind and water.
- Small enough for an individual person to transport (50lbs or less) and set up from transit case to operational within one hour.
- Non-military in appearance (preferred).
- Able to operate by battery power with a minimum continuous recording time of 24 hours.
PHASE I
Design a concept for a long-range listening device that can meet the performance and size constraints listed in the Description. Demonstrate and validate the feasibility of the concept. Prepare a Phase II development plan with performance goals, key technical milestones, and risk reduction approaches.
PHASE II
Produce prototype hardware for a long-range listening device based on the Phase I work and requirements in the Description. Demonstrate and validate prototype performance in a realistic operational environment.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Though the primary objective is to support the Marine Corps to transition to support CI/HUMINT and force protection operations for the MAGTF. The other military Services and federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Secret Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are likely to adopt this capability for similar long range surveillance operations. State and local law enforcement and private investigators could also employ the capability for surveillance.
REFERENCES
Fluitt, Kim, et al. "Auditory Perception in Open Field: Distance Estimation." Army Research Lab, July 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301504471_Auditory_perception_in_open_field_Distance_estimation
Fluitt, Kim, et al. "Auditory Perception in an Open Space: Detection and Recognition." Army Research Lab, June 2015. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301502948_Auditory_perception_in_an_open_space_Detection_and_recognition
Training and Education Command, US Marine Corps. "Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 2-10A.2, Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence." Quantico, VA: US Marine Corps, February 2025). https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCRP%202-10A.2%20(SECURED).pdf?ver=NgVh3ByQV9uNRbF3RnJQxA%3d%3d