During 1994 and 1995 SenTech developed the first group of ten MASINT sensors for SNL as a proof of concept exercise. SenTech developed the algorithms and computer code that performed the detection, localization and identification of a wide variety of military vehicles. These sensors were implemented using an off the shelf digital signal processor. The effort also included the collection of an extensive database of foreign vehicle signatures that has been used in the development and evaluation process.

In the next phase of the program, SNL developed custom processing electronics that dramatically reduced the systems power consumption. The new system, now renamed Steel Rattler also included a communications processor that allowed the sensor to interface with long range satellite communications units and collect data from a variety of other tactical sensors. SenTech continued to support SNL with improvements to the acoustic-seismic sensor algorithms. A variety of problems were addressed during this phase, such as tracking and identifying multiple vehicles in a convoy and summarizing the target information into a very short message for satellite transmission. The Steel Rattler sensors were tested during the Roving Sands exercises of 1995 and 1997 and during the UGS ACTD in 1998.

In 1998 the development of an air-launched version of the MASINT sensor, Steel Eagle was started. Among the problems that SenTech had to address during this phase was that of tracking the targets with an acoustic array 5” in diameter. We have also added the capability to classify the vehicle’s engine according to the number of cylinders.

The Steel Rattler sensors have been transitioned to the US Army’s Night Vision Laboratory for evaluation in Army missions.