BAE Systems: Border Patrol System Design Fall 2005, ED&G 100 Design Project
ED&G 100: Introduction to Engineering Design The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 Fall 2005

Project Objective

For the patrol of a large border segment, develop a mobile surveillance system concept that detects the presence of intruders. The system designed will need to cover all types of terrain. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of Systems Design through both an understanding of the sequence of design steps they traverse, as well as the nature of the work performed in each of those steps

Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Vehicle

Company Background

BAE Systems (http://www.na.baesystems.com) is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space.  The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems.  It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defense systems.  BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries.  The company employs nearly 100,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately $25 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations. 

Project Scenario

Your team is employed by a specialty engineering firm, which has been contracted to develop airborne surveillance concepts for border patrol.  The customer has awarded several contracts to competing firms and will ultimately select the best concept for a lucrative development, production, and fielding contract.  This is a real problem with real impact in today’s world: solving it literally makes the country a safer place.  In addition, this technology has many other practical application areas, for example search and rescue after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

Project Scope

Manned surveillance of borders is cost prohibitive.  Fixed ground sensors, if located, can be disabled rendering them ineffective until maintained or replaced.  An approach to providing a reliable surveillance method for extended periods of time is required using an economical sensor suite to cover a wide variety of terrain.  Assume that your system interfaces directly to a transmitter for relay of observations to the control center. 

This project is, at its core, a “systems engineering” project.  Early exercises will demonstrate how mathematics can be used to understand and define requirements that constrain problem solutions.  In the middle weeks, students will see the value of teamwork in idea creation and selection, allowing the team to perform parallel activities.  In the final weeks, teams will be expected to assess their ideas with critical objectivity and present them with creativity and persuasiveness. 

In developing your border monitoring system, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Simple solutions that meet basic needs are usually the best
• Your firm has been contracted to develop airborne surveillance concepts for border patrol
  • You may propose other concepts, but they must be well justified—discuss them first with your instructor

Project Deliverables

Propose a mobile surveillance system concept system for the patrol of a large border segment that detects the presence of intruders. 

Key Deliverables:

Note: Your instructor will clarify his or her expectations for these deliverables and their respective due dates.

·        Technical report on Web

• The format for the first page of your website will be given to you and all requested material must be provided

o       Project description

o       System diagrams (using CAD)

o       Concept Of Operations (CONOPS)

o       Trade studies

• System cost estimate

·        Prototype/model of (portion of) proposed system

·        Tri-fold brochure for marketing proposed design

·        Complete list of brainstormed ideas showing top 4–5 initial selections

Materials Provided:

·  Reference material and websites on various sensor hardware

·  Sample sensor systems will be available in the 312 Hammond design lab

·  Website for design project: http://www.ecsel.psu.edu/design_projects/fa05

·  Additional materials will be provided as the semester proceeds

Go to: ED&G100 Home | Design Project Resource
Go to: Penn State Home | College of Engineering | ED&G

Project inquiries: Sven G. Bilén, sbilen@psu.edu
Last revised on 16 October 2005.