Tracking Dismounted Soldiers without GPS

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Although many dismounted soldiers are often equipped with advanced devices, tracking and navigation are unavailable in GPS-denied environments. A prototype tactical electronic warfare (EW) kit for dismounted soldiers could be the solution to this problem. 

Users with a small NEON Tracking Unit attached and carrying an Android device can now be tracked and located in real-time or for playback during an after-action review.

The NEON, a GPS-denied location technology, provides 3D mapping and GPS-denied personnel tracking for warfighters, first responders, security and industrial personnel that operate indoors, underground, and in areas without GPS.

TRX Systems was selected by the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to deliver the prototype. The company is also one of 11 firms selected by the US Department of Transportation to demonstrate GPS backup technologies, with tests to take place in March.

The portable kit generates alerts when electronic jamming or spoofing is detected and will provide a “rewind” navigation feature to estimate the user’s probable current position after jamming or spoofing has occurred. 

NEON Personnel Tracker is an Android application tightly integrated with the NEON Location Service. According to insidegnss.com, the system is based on advanced sensor fusion, ranging, and patented dynamic mapping algorithms. The algorithms fuse inertial sensor data, Wi-Fi readings and inferred building data to deliver reliable 3D location. Optional use of geo-referenced ultra-wideband or Bluetooth beacons enhances positioning accuracy.

The Location Service provides position data that enables tracking and navigation when satellite technology is unavailable or unreliable. NEON detects GPS interference and delivers continuous location during such events. 

In a 2017 case study, NEON Personnel Tracker solution provided 3D tracking of law enforcement, EMS Personnel and other first responders during a critical incident training exercise at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, hosted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).