Quick Response Airborne Deployment of Viper Muzzle Flash Detection and Location System During DC Sniper Attacks

The VIPER infrared muzzle flash detection system was deployed from a helicopter and an airship in response to the Washington, DC area sniper attacks in October 2002. The system consisted of a midwave IR camera which was used to detect muzzle flash and cue a visible light camera on a gimbal to the detected event. The helicopter installation was done to prove that a manned airborne installation of the VIPER detection system would work. Within 36 hours of the request to deploy the system, it had been modified, approved by an FAA inspector and flown. Testing at the Ft. Meade rifle range showed that in a helicopter installation the system worked at least as well as a ground based system. Because of the limited endurance that a helicopter allows, the system was then installed aboard a Navy leased airship. It was flown at Elizabeth City, NC and was tested against live fire. In response to the Washington, DC sniper shootings, the OSD had tasked a parallel effort to deploy a 20" WesCam gy...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: AIPR
• Authors: M. Pauli, M. C. Ertem, E. Heidhausen
• Keywords: AIPR 2003, Helicopters, Muzzle Flash, Muzzle Flash Detection