Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Underwater Secure Text Messaging and Diver Locater Navy STTR FY2010.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2010.A Topic No.: N10A-T034 Topic Title: Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Underwater Secure Text Messaging and Diver Locater Proposal No.: N10A-034-0638 Firm: Desert Star Systems 3261 Imjin Road Marina, California 93933 Contact: Marco Flagg Phone: (831) 384-8000 Web Site: www.desertstar.com Abstract: Small combat dive teams require a situational awareness capability that combines robust, low probability of detection (LPD) communication with navigation/tracking functions. The project will result in a compact terminal for underwater acoustics based communication, navigation and tracking. The Diver Messaging and Navigation Terminal (DMNT) will be rugged and easy to use, warranting a description of `off-the-shelf' in the sense that a diver can pick up the device and learn its basic operation in minimum time. Recognizing that high-performance technologies often fail when conditions turn adverse, DMNT will include multiple `step-back' features that take over and assure high availability of essential capabilities. A S&T issue of the project is the choice of optimal waveforms and transmission schemes that have LPD. The phase-1 prototype will include a homing capability and use precision synchronized clocks for accurate ranging without any diver transmissions. With Desert Star's field-proven frequency hopping spread spectrum technology (FHSS) establishing baseline performance, advanced LPD waveforms will be explored in the phase-1 option. Desert Star's extensive capabilities and COTS/MOTS product line accelerate the project. In phase-1, we will build a prototype and conduct field testing of the proposed technologies, the results guiding the development of a production ready capability in phase-2. Benefits: The successful project will result in a rugged and practical system that will improve coordination among members of small diver combat teams. Unlike many systems which may ultimately prove too complex and their features too fragile for combat, DMNT will be designed for simplicity of operation and high availability. With a compact size and a weight of just 5 lbs in air for the entire DMNT system, SDV teams can realize significant weight savings over the 40 lbs HMU for missions where full HMU capabilities are not needed. To enhance commercialization potential, DMNT will also be compatible with our existing FrogEyeT amphibious digital camera system. In conjunction with that system, it will implement a capable yet very compact long-standoff image reconnaissance capability that includes image acquisition, manipulation and transmission similar to SOTVS but compact and optimized for offshore and beach insertion applications. Return