Projects-9

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency TTO - Boomerang

Project Overview: DARPA’S TTO office, has developed a technology called Boomerang to assist troops in urban warfare settings. Boomerang is a mounted group of sensors that can detect sniper fire. The sensor suite can currently be mounted to a Humvee and a troop-mounted version is being designed. CenGen Inc has assisted in the networking and testing of the Boomerang technology.

By using sensors to detect both the sonic shockwave and the muzzle blast from a gun, Boomerang can pinpoint a shooter up to 500 meters away. The way the system works is the sensors compare the shockwave and the blast to determine the sniper’s location. The location of the sniper can be displayed on a device mounted on a dashboard or can be seen on a handheld version that resembles a clock to show the soldier where the bullet is coming from.

Boomerang is able to identify the bullet type used, and being able to detect gunfire even if the shooter is using a silencer. Boomerang can also alert troops of rocket-propelled grenades that may be launched. Boomerang prototypes are currently being used in Iraq.