Compact Airborne Acoustic Transmitter for Buried Object Stimulation Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-088 Topic Title: Compact Airborne Acoustic Transmitter for Buried Object Stimulation Proposal No.: N121-088-0739 Firm: Creare Inc. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 Contact: Jed Wilbur Phone: (603) 643-3800 Web Site: www.creare.com Abstract: Landmines and buried improvised explosive devices (IED) represent a clear and present danger to the modern U.S. warfighter. The ability to survey a potentially hazardous area from the air using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted optical acoustic system has the potential to greatly reduce causality rates. However, existing acoustic sources are inadequate to stimulate the earth at the necessary levels or frequencies from the desired altitudes-a new, compact, efficient, and intense sound source is needed. In this effort, Creare proposes to develop a Compact Airborne Acoustic Transmitter (CAAT) capable of stimulating the ground at 100 dB over the 90 to 400 Hz frequency range from an altitude of 1,000 feet. The CAAT combines an innovative, highly efficient acoustic source with a novel, efficient, and directional acoustic horn to maximize the sound pressure level on the ground. Creare has assembled a highly qualified team for this development effort. In Phase I, we will compare the designs of two sound sources and numerically optimize the shape of the acoustic horn. In Phase II, we will interface the subsystems and build, test, validate and deliver to the Navy a prototype of the required size, shape, weight, power consumption, and acoustic output. Benefits: Aerial interrogation of suspected mine fields and IED sites requires a compact, intense, and efficient airborne sound transmitter. Our proposed transmitter addresses this need by combining highly efficient sound generation with dimensionally compact sound projection. Combined with an optical imaging system, the sound source will save American lives by alerting soldiers on the ground to potential buried threats. The sound source may also find other military and commercial use as a non-lethal deterrent, sub-surface stimulator for shallow oil and gas exploration and for auditory civil alert broadcasting. Return