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Falcon Watch, Remote Intrusion Detection and
Surveillance System developed by Harris. The system is based on
the RF-5400 Sensor System, offering a light, rapidly deployed
sensor network for perimeter protection, force protection and
surveillance. Similar to REMBASS II, the system comprises a range
of sensors, including seismic probes, magnetic detectors and
passive infrared (PIR) detectors.
The Falcon Watch Miniature Sensor is a single
detector device that accepts input from one detector. It is a very
small unit that is easily carried and used for a rapidly
established, temporary application. The Falcon Watch Multiple
Sensor accepts multiple detector inputs operating independently or
in combination. It has expanded battery capacity and is designed
to be fielded for an extended period of time.
Multiple sensors are used to
detect, compare, filter and classify potential targets at ranges
from 8 to 160 meters (depending on sensor type and target size).
Individual sensors are linked via encrypted, low-power wireless
communications to the RF-5404 intelligent gateway, and RF-5400
sensor and relay node. When valid intrusions or targets are
confirmed, the RF-5400 sends an alert directly to a handheld or manpack radio, such as the Harris RF-5800 series, triggering an
audible alarm. Imaging sensors (uncooled thermal or color CCD) can
also be integrated to provide situational pictures.
Images and sensor feeds are plotted on a laptop, on a
digital map display, utilizing GPS location coordinates received
from each sensor. Processing the sensors data enables notification
of intrusion and accurate classification of targets. Future
enhancements of the system will include Chemical Biological
radiological Nuclear (CBRN) detectors. The system can be employed
with a single sensor node, or expand to cover larger areas with
additional relay nodes. RF-5400 can operate in the field on a
single battery for long periods, from 1 month to a four, depending
on the frequency of alerts and type of batteries used.
In June 2006 Harris announced the expansion of the Falcon Watch
system with the addition of Telonics sensors, including the Eagle
Intrusion Detection System (EIDS) Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS).
EIDS will be incorporated into the Falcon Watch Falcon II
Sensor/Relay for international use, while the EIDS sensor products
will be integrated into the Falcon Watch product line for U.S.
government use. In December 2005 Harris was awarded a US$1.9 million contract to
supply Silent Watch to the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) as part
of the Persistent Surveillance Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS)
Program. Silent Watch was developed specifically for the USCENTCOM
UGS program and is an outgrowth of the Falcon Watch sensor suite.
Silent Watch utilizes the Falcon Watch RF-5405 Intelligent
Gateway, a communications node which receives alarms from multiple
sensors and fuses the data into actionable reports for
satellite-based relay to command centers. The new family of
sensors is expected to have operational lifespan beyond of 90 to
180 days. The UGS systems will be used to monitor borders and
perimeters in USCENTCOM's Areas of Responsibility (AOR),
stretching from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia.
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