Sentient Adaptive Respone Cruise Harness (SeARCH) for Autonomous Sonobuoy Gliding & Navigation Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-117 Topic Title: Sentient Adaptive Respone Cruise Harness (SeARCH) for Autonomous Sonobuoy Gliding & Navigation Proposal No.: N102-117-0947 Firm: Barron Associates, Inc. 1410 Sachem Place Suite 202 Charlottesville, Virginia 22901-2496 Contact: David Neal Phone: (434) 973-1215 Web Site: http://www.barron-associates.com Abstract: Barron Associates, Inc. has proposed a unique and innovative design for precision-guided sonobuoy delivery. The basic glide harness design uses a novel split wing design that maximizes both wing area and span in a concise package, thus greatly improving the aerodynamic performance and range capability of the vehicle. The wings are designed to minimize the impact on the interior sonobuoy volume. Furthermore, the deployment of the wings and control surfaces is accomplished using the drag force of the sonobuoy parachute, thus removing the need for any active or passive actuation components on the sonobuoy. After the wings and control surfaces are deployed, Barron Associates' adaptive guidance routines will control the vehicle, bringing it to an accurate final position for sonobuoy release. The guidance algorithm being proposed here (LOER) has already been developed by Barron for several other government projects and is well suited to the task of guiding a glide-capability sonobuoy. The proposed Phase I effort will consist of both vehicle design and the building and flight testing of a prototype vehicle. The prototype vehicle will be used both for wind tunnel testing, and as a flight demonstration of the basic vehicle concept and the installed software. Benefits: This effort will provide a precision delivery mechanism for all current sonobuoys corresponding to the size "A" form factor without the need for modification. The wing/tail surface deployment concepts and associated guidance technologies developed under this effort have clear application to wide classes of air-launched delivery of assets (not just size "A" forms). This can include delivery of ordinance or delivery of emergency supplies to soldiers in critical environments. These technologies enable delivery aircraft the capability to avoid enemy fire and update targeted delivery locations based on real-time events, unlike a parachute-delivery. Sonobuoys are in use by the scientific community to study undersea environments including whale migrations. A sonobuoy delivery mechanism that can satisfy a precision touchdown location in the presence of uncertain wind conditions can be useful. The trajectory updating capability of Barron Associates guidance algorithm allows the glide unit to obtain a high level of touchdown accuracy without wind data. There is also a higher change of recovery for the glide unit after sonobuoys ejection. This can provide cost-savings to grant-supported research groups. Return