Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Tow Point Surge Reduction for Towed Body Stabilization Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Topic No.: N132-117 Topic Title: Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Tow Point Surge Reduction for Towed Body Stabilization Proposal No.: N132-117-0850 Firm: Maritime Applied Physics Corporation 1850 Frankfurst Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21226-1024 Contact: Thomas Bein Phone: (443) 524-3330 Web Site: www.mapcorp.com Abstract: Presently the performance of the AQS-20 is degraded when towed from a Fleet Class USV due to surge motion fluctuations. The ability to decouple the surge fluctuations between the USV and the towed body will enable the USV platform to achieve acceptable mine hunting system performance. This proposal will examine three methods of surge motion reduction: vessel speed control, a motion compensated winch and a means to control the cable catenary. A simulation model of the USV, tow cable and towed body will be developed. The model performance will be validated with existing Navy supplied data. The three surge motion mitigation strategies will then be evaluated with the simulation model. In addition to the motions of the tow body, a trade study will also include the parameters that impact the mission endurance of the USV. These include the added weight, cost estimates, resistance estimates, power estimates, fuel use estimates, impact to reliability, and development risk. The trade study will provide a recommendation of the surge reduction strategy that meets the motion requirements for the AQS-20 with the minimum impact to the mission endurance of the USV. A Phase I option initiates an optimization, followed by a detailed design of the selected strategy. Benefits: Decoupling the surge motion between the USV and the towed body will enable acceptable mine hunting performance from a USV platform. Identifying the optimum surge reduction strategy in terms of the USV/AQS-20 system will enhance mine hunting performance and improve overall area clearance rate. Return