Raytheon BBN Technologies

Raytheon BBN Technologies first developed the Boomerang shooter detection system technology for ground vehicles and static applications under DARPA sponsorship in late 2004, and there are now over 5,000 systems helping to protect troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. US forces often use helicopters to move quickly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Because of their low altitude, helicopters are vulnerable to frequent ground fire, which can be deadly to helicopters, causing them to malfunction or forcing them to land in hostile territory. Additionally, helicopter noise levels make their crews deaf to shots fired at them, and they often do not realize they are under attack until damage has been done. While pilots have adapted to the threat with evasive measures—zig zagging their flight paths and varying their altitudes—what is really needed is a technology to detect and defend against enemy threats targeting helicopters.

Under DARPA funding, Raytheon BBN Technologies has demonstrated the feasibility of applying the Boomerang technology to detect small-arms fire from a helicopter, and developed and tested a proof-of-concept system for Blackhawk helicopters. Under DARPA funding we have successfully developed and tested the first acoustic small-arms fire detection system for a Blackhawk helicopter.