Paragon Research PRC-5000 Sensor Array
The Alaska Project, developed for
the US Army and Army Materiel
Command, represents an
innovative approach to addressing
a unique environmental challenge
in military testing. Alaska's vast,
uninhabited regions and extensive
permafrost coverage make it ideal
for testing missiles and large-
caliber weapons. However, this
testing has led to an unexpected
and dangerous consequence: the
penetration of permafrost by test
firings, causing underground
wildfires that threaten Alaska's
forest industry and delicate
ecosystem.
To combat this issue, Paragon
Research has developed a cutting-
edge sensor suite based on its
RapidSense® technology, known
as the PRC CS5000™. This
system, designed to a Technology
Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7),
demonstrates a prototype in an operational environment specifically tailored to Alaska's harsh
Arctic conditions. The core of the Alaska Project lies in its ability to detect fires early through
sophisticated chemical signature analysis, potentially stopping wildfires before they can spread
and cause significant damage.
The system's architecture is built around independently operating sensor nodes strategically
placed to eliminate single-point failures and provide comprehensive coverage across key testing
areas. These nodes feed real-time data into a GIS-based information system, allowing for
precisely locating potential fire sites. This data is further enhanced by high-fidelity agent plume
modeling, which helps predict fire spread and guides response efforts.
Flexibility and adaptability are key features of the Alaska Project. The system explores UAV
deployment options for extended coverage and rapid response while integrating with hand-held
devices to provide enhanced 24/7 operational situational awareness. This mobile capability is
supported by a robust communication network that utilizes multiple platforms, including 3G/4G,
WiFi, WiMAX, and Satcom, ensuring reliable connectivity even in remote areas.
The advantages of the Alaska Project are manifold. Focusing on proactive fire prevention rather
than reactive firefighting protects Alaska's valuable forest industry and ecosystem and
enhances the safety of military testing operations. The system's real-time monitoring and data
analysis capabilities give firefighting teams unprecedented situational awareness, allowing for
more efficient and effective response strategies.
Perhaps most importantly, the Alaska Project represents a critical balance between military
needs and environmental protection. Its potential applications extend beyond Alaska, offering a
model for fire prevention in other permafrost regions globally. As climate change continues to
impact Arctic environments, systems like this may become increasingly vital in protecting
sensitive ecosystems while supporting necessary military and industrial activities.
The Alaska Project is a testament to Paragon's innovative problem-solving in the face of
complex environmental challenges. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, real-time data
analysis, and flexible deployment options, it offers a comprehensive solution to a unique
problem, potentially saving vast tracts of Alaskan forest while enabling crucial military testing to
continue safely.