FA864924P1066

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II

Site Selection and Visitation System: AI Enabled Software That Identifies, Evaluates and Simulates Contingency Airfields to Support Operational Imperative 5 - Resilient Basing and Agile Combat Employment

The SITE SELECTION AND VISITATION SYSTEM ( SSV ) is an AI-enabled software-as-a-service that uses public and USG satellite imagery to 1) identify, 2) evaluate, 3) prioritize, and 4) simulate potential contingency / expedient airfields (EX: road) based on user-selected criteria (EX: length, obstacles) providing commanders with a powerful, flexible tool to support rapid basing decisions supporting Agile Combat Employment (ACE), Operational Imperative 5 Resilient Basing and the Airfield Survey Program.How it works: Using SSV's powerful search function (Google for expedient airfields), users select a mission location and establish prioritized selection criteria (EX: runway length, surface, slope, obstacle clearance, ramp and hangars, and distance from strategic locations). The SSV uses the criteria to generate a list of potential landing sites which includes both established airfields and unimproved locations (fields, roads), ranking the sites via a multi-factor suitability score based on the user-input selection criteria and aircraft type, streamlining the process of making consistent, informed comparisons across basing options. Users can evaluate each proposed location in detail by reviewing the annotated site map, the suitability score criteria and DAF airfield survey data (if available). Users can adjust queries with new criteria and re-run the search, producing a new, prioritized list of locations with the adjusted criteria in real time. Visualization: Once a potential location is identified, the SSV uses generative AI to produce a high-fidelity, interactive 3D model of the location which allows users to conduct virtual on the ground site surveys of austere or expedient airfields per DAF site survey instructions and perform mission bed down and airfield ops planning right from the virtual airfield. The high-fidelity simulation includes accurate layout and measurement of airfield facilities and obstacles.The SSV uses a patent-pending software technology comprised of 1) machine vision to identify and rank potentialcontingency locations from satellite photos (and other sources), 2) photogrammetry to translate multiple 2D images into an immersive and realistic 3D airfield model, and 3) a search engine to empower Airmen to find and evaluate contingency locations. Features: 1) intuitive search interface allows for easy queries and rapid adjustments based on results, 2) calculated suitability score that permits rapid assessment and direct comparison of multiple, diverse contingency locations, 3) customizable selection criteria related to ground features (runway), location (distance to target), resources (fuel) and location (geopolitical), 4) data sourced from public and USG sources, focused on expedient locations, 5) alignment with existing DAF airfield survey instructions, and 6) simulation of locations in an interactive, immersive 3D environment with high-fidelity visuals and accurate dimensions.

The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.

AFX237-PCSO1

FX237-PCSO1-0402

X23.7

Meghan Scott