SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The GPS Response Asset Tracking System (RATS) P20100 is comprised of completely mobile "plug and play" technology. The Global Positioning Receivers (GPS) base location systems are placed aboard skimmers and other equipment that automatically report in near real time through VHF transmission links to a host command vessel or command post. The command post/vessel compiles these position reports and displays them on a laptop computer overlaid on the selected digitized nautical chart or land mapping system. Acting as a forward command post/vessel, the command station is able to watch, direct, and fully coordinate the containment and recovery efforts of the skimming systems under its control. In addition to providing command and control at the local level, the forward command post/vessel automatically sends the position reports to the SUPSALV command post via INMARSTAT-C. This communications link, with a typical five to ten minute delay from real time, again overlays the position reports on selected chart/map bases and provides SUPSALV a worldwide linkage to operational elements responding to a pollution incident.

A large, open water oil spill generally spreads over vast amounts of ocean and ranges far along coastlines. This creates a large problem, especially when weather is unfavorable. Skimmers equipped with GPS systems allow central control of their locations. This, along with oil tracking buoys, allows command and control to follow spills at night or in conditions unfavorable to aircraft deployment such as fog. This allows positioning of equipment to be most effective when recovery operations resume.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Item ESSM Number Qty

1. GPS tracking base station GP0100 2

2. Case, support, GPS base station GP0105 2

GPS Tracking Base Station GP0100

DESCRIPTION

The GPS Tracking Base Station GP0100 provides the nucleus of the contingency planning function and the field operations with a visual display of deployed assets on the appropriate nautical chart or land map. Information is displayed on the integral supporting Pentium laptop and in some cases enlarged to a 17-inch SVGA monitor. The 486 data/logger maintains a complete replayable history of the tracked assets which maybe used as a post exercise training tool. The computer has the ability to select a wide variety of chart or map databases to both plan and conduct operations. The RATS system is able to select from nautical chart bases that include NOAA Environmental Sensitivities Indices (ESI) may be used as an operational baseline for both tracking and planning. Operations on land, river, and streams are accomplished by using Tiger Line file map databases. The preferred method for entering chart data is through a CD ROM provided by the chart originator, for example the NOAA nautical charts on CD from BSB are packaged with the baseline operational capability. Additionally, hard copy, charts can be digitized on an as-needed basis and stored on the hard drive.

The base station's software, normally located on the command vessel and at the command post, has the simultaneous capability to plan and execute all containment, recovery, and logistics support operations on the Pentium laptop. The operations element can free draw on the supporting chart or map base. Plans for booming operations are overdrawn and automatically calculate the latitude of the start and finish points, heading, and distance expressed in either feet, nautical, or statute miles. Once operationally placed, these booms are saved within the program after being tagged with appropriate symbol, type, owner, and descriptive annotations. Automatic summary inventories are created by type of equipment deployed, allowing the user to readily find not only individual equipment but the totals of that equipment in use. After a time of entry into the program, operational actions such as placement of boom are automatically time-clicked and automatically placed into the operational log.

Command post maintains their operational logs within the system. All equipment entries are automatically placed into the log and narrative entries are typed by the operator. All transactions are time-relative to the vessel tracking system and can be recalled for an operational snapshot picture or entire operational replay. A direct print capability and a direct fax capability allows the operator to produce hard copy charts with all overlays, equipment, and logs at any point in time. These products can be faxed directly to designated activities.

SPECIFICATIONS

Base station controller unit consist of the following:

Item Qty

Base Station Controller Unit Case 1

Display laptop PC 1

Maintenance laptop PC 1

Communications radio 1

Autofind base VDML unit 1

INMARSAT C transceiver 1

486 data logger PC and keyboard 1

Power supplies

Radio 1

Laptops 1

INMARSAT 1

External mouse 1

External video monitor (VGA/SVGA) 1

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Operating/Shipping

Length 3 ft, 6 in.

Width 2 ft, 6 in.

Height 2 ft, 0 in.

Cube 17 cu ft

Weight 166 lb

REFERENCES

DESCRIPTION

The GPS Tracking Support Case GP0105 contains the necessary ancillary items to setup and operate the GPS tracking system in the field.

SPECIFICATIONS

The base tracking support case consist of the following:

Item Qty

Pelican style carrying case (32" x 21" x 12") 1

AC power strip 1

Antenna, IMARSAT-C 1

Antenna, VHF clip on 2

Base antenna, magnetic 1

Cable, INMARSAT, antenna, 50' 1

Cable, INMARSAT, antenna, 25' 1

Cable, RG58U, 15' 2

Cable, RG58U, 25' 2

Cable, RG58U, 50' 1

Chart, nautical, CD regions 2,3,4,6,7,8,10,

12,13,14,15,17,22,24,26,40 1 set

Clamp, hose, 5" diameter 3

Clamp, mast 2

Cord, power 1

P-Map on CD 1

Power cord, mobile 1

U-Bolt, 1 1/2" 2

Wire connectors for antenna 1 bag

Wire ties 1 bag

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Shipping

Length 2 ft, 8 in.

Width 1 ft, 9 in.

Height 1 ft, 0 in.

Weight 45 lb

REFERENCES

DESCRIPTION

The GPS Mobile Tracking Station GP0110 is placed aboard a vehicle or vessel and will transmit it's location to the base station on the same frequency. The same frequency is shared using a time sharing algorithm. That is, each mobile unit is assigned a time slot in which it will transmit. In this way, multiple mobile units can share a single frequency without mutual interference. The GPS tracking system can operate independently of the type of communication link used for carrying the transmitted position reports from the mobile units to the base. The link can be any VHF radio, UHF radio, trunked line, satellite communications, cellular phone, or other links.

SPECIFICATIONS

The mobile unit consists of the following:

Item Qty

Pelican style carrying

case (13" x 13-" x 6") 1

Communication radio 1

Mobile VDML unit 1

GPS antenna 1

Power cable 1

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Operating/Shipping

Length 1 ft, 1 in.

Width 1 ft, 1 in.

Height 0 ft, 6 in.

Cube 1 cu ft

Weight 5 lb

REFERENCES