Army Awards SBIR Phase III for Non-Pyrotechnic Battlefield Effects Replicator

• DSSP’s eSquibs simulate AK-47 and PK machine gun-like muzzle flashes and reports

The US Army Contracting Command in Orlando, Florida, has awarded DSSP Inc. a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III, multi-option contract entitled: Non-Pyrotechnic Battlefield Effect Replication (BFER). This Phase III contract will provide final prototypes for field testing of small arms and larger battlefield replicators up to main tank guns. 

DSSP’s pyroelectric propellant devices can be electrically ignited and extinguished (switched on/off) dozens of times on command. Unlike conventional pyrotechnics, these pyroelectric propellants are insensitive to accidental ignition by flame, spark, or impact. DSSP eSquib systems are designed to be plug-and-play and integrate with Army control protocols. These Army eSquib hardware systems will also have the commercial option for industry standard DMX compatibility. 

“The progression to Phase III is largely from our success in quickly developing higher power devices,” said Dr. Wayne Sawka, DSSP’s Founder and CEO. “Now the boosted eSquibs effectively simulate AK-47 and PK machine gun like muzzle flashes and reports.” 

For clarification, the NFPA prefers the term “pyrotechnic simulators” since although item may not have the traditional principles of pyrotechnics, it does appear in nature as pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnic simulators are starting to cover this broad group of new devices producing traditional pyrotechnic effects. While they are similar in appearance, the way they achieve the appearance differs due to effects being produced by machines (simulators). Pyrotechnic simulators are inherently safer when operated by trained professionals due to the safety features embedded in the software of the devices.

Previously, the eSquib technology achieved a high TRL by being used as micro-thrusters aboard “SpinSat”, the Naval Research Laboratory’s small satellite, in 2014. As part of the Phase III team, Simon-Kaloi Engineering (SKE) will provide an immersive battlefield audio Sound Effects Simulator (SES) system based on their extensive amusement park and previous live-fire military training experience. SKE has developed technologies that integrate multi-channel and polyphonic playback of solid-state digital audio along with synchronous DMX control of lighting, character animation, and other triggers and control. SKE Technology also provides a user-scripting language and network capability for command and control and file transfers. 

Like the Army system, but using DMX protocols, will allow commercial pyrotechnic simulator users to also integrate with lighting, sound, and fog being controlled from the same hardware and program.  These new technologies will enable future Army live fire exercises to operate in a safer training environment while providing fully realistic effects. 

Beyond soldier training and live entertainment, eSquibs have an emerging and disruptive use for film and video studio use. After winning the Live Design International Product Award in 2014, the eSquib technology has been tested by production studios, music videos, sport arenas and was in daily use at a top international amusement park, until the pandemic. This kind of dual-use market allows commercial industry to benefit from the SBIR investment, while providing higher manufacturing volumes that can reduce future Army cost.