The US military is getting closer to improving its situational awareness on the battlefield thanks to a new generation sensor system based on terahertz technology.
The project is developed by Teradar Company (a US technology startup), in cooperation with defense corporation Lockheed Martin, to test the " terahertz vision" system that is capable of operating effectively in environmental conditions that traditional sensors often encounter difficulties.
The terahertz technology combines the transparency of radio frequencies with the detail of optical sensors.
Thanks to that, the system can create high-resolution images even when visibility is limited by dust, smoke, fog or other jamming elements on the battlefield.
According to developers, the system has proven its ability to detect targets continuously day and night.
This allows the military to detect and classify vehicles, obstacles as well as potential hazards in low- visibility environments.
Improved observation capabilities are expected to bring many benefits in military operations. This technology can support clearing roads, protecting military convoys, ensuring regional security as well as supporting the operation of self-propelled or semi-self-propelled vehicles on the battlefield.
The project received financial support from the U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research Program through the Small Business Innovation Research Phase Two (SBIR) contract worth about 1.9 million USD recently awarded by the United States Army.
This funding is considered an important step forward for Teradar in expanding its defense technology portfolio, while creating a premise for future practical tests and widespread deployment in the US military as well as allied forces.
Mr. Matt Carey, co-founder and CEO of Teradar, said that this award shows the actual demand for terahertz vision technology in the defense and other important industries.
According to Mr. Carey, initial technological breakthroughs developed to enhance the safety of vehicle operators may also bring greater benefits, helping to protect soldiers and improve safety levels in military operations.
