CLEVELAND, Ohio, 15 Aug. 2008. Alphaport, a Cleveland, Ohio-based provider of advanced engineering services and applied technology, won a prime contract from the Department of Defense for development of a Battlefield Air Operations system. This integrated system of human and technology interfaces allows ground forces to communicate with air command forces using real-time visual information for enhanced battle space awareness and combat effectiveness, says a representative.

The project, named "BATMAN" for Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided Knowledge, includes head-mounted displays, wearable computing systems, secure wireless communications, speech-recognition enhancements, and software interface technology that revolutionizes human-machine collaboration. A battery pack is worn on the back, a laptop-style computer on the chest, controls worn on the sleeve, and communications in a soft cap headset.

Objectives for the system development include streamlining the number of displays a combat controller needs to have to clandestinely navigate, sense, map, reconnoiter, and target within battlefield red zones. Secondarily, the program seeks to reduce weight, reduce errors, and increase the speed of information deployment.

Anthony J. Miranda, president of Alphaport says, "We will be developing software interface controls and hardware prototypes for this innovative project. Our experience developing headset communications systems for NASA helps us develop unique ergonomic components for this sophisticated system. Air Force pilots will literally have eyes on the ground with real-time GPS coordinates and visual information."