Talon
State-of-the-art Device designed specifically for Millennials!
Under competition with other high-tech providers, Northrop Grumman (NG) contracted BH to assist in the design of a new, cutting edge laser-based smart weapons designator (Talon) after a 5 star Pentagon general insisted that the device had to have a "cool-factor" to attract Millennials to the military! BH's task was to help NG define, package and detail the high-profile design.
BH began by working closely with NG engineers to review multiple configurations for the device based on new and existing internal components and required battery pack. A number of form studies were then developed that supported the engineering brief, including day and night (thermal) devices per the Pentagon brief. BH also created a more technically more aggressive, compact study model to gauge end-user reaction to overall size and weight. A one-day ethnographic end-user study was conducted at Eglin Air Force Base and participated by all 4 services, including Special Forces personnel. BH used Projective Mapping methods to understand critical needs and desired features from the collective team before evaluating the study models. It became clear that providing day and night devices was an intolerable proposal because of the space and weight penalty incurred. A single rugged, compact device was critical, including the ability to replace common AA batteries in the field.
NG and BH were required to continue developing the 1st generation 2-device platform due to contractual obligations. However, after Government and military evaluation of the 1st prototypes, the Pentagon agreed with our preliminary research that a single unified device needed to be developed instead and awarded the project to NG. The team then proceeded with a unified 2nd generation, highly compact. light-weight design featuring a carbon-fiber housing. Talon was launched into production and was later showcased on the DARPA website as one of the most advanced devices on offer at the time.
Duration- 24 months
