Compact Aerial Towed Magnetic-Anomaly-Detection System Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-109 Topic Title: Compact Aerial Towed Magnetic-Anomaly-Detection System Proposal No.: N142-109-0081 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Applied Technologies Division 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Kang-Bin Chua Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a micro-towed magnetic-anomaly-detection (MAD) system that is compatible with small aircraft platforms such as the MQ-8 and MH-60R/S, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop the Compact Aerial Towed Magnetic-Anomaly-Detection System (CATMADS). It consists of a non-magnetic micro-towed body, state-of-the-art compact MAD sensor, and a modular reeling machine. The innovative design results in a rugged and lightweight (<10-lbf with drag) towed body that uses a novel proprietary controller to constrain its motion to <+/-0.5 deg and altitude excursion to <+/-6" at air speeds of 50-140 knots. Its non-magnetic body does not interfere with the onboard MAD sensor and offers magnetic detection sensitivity of <10 pH/Hz^1/2 and bandwidth of 0.1-100 Hz for anti submarine warfare applications. The modular CATMADS is easily attached to various aircraft platforms, has a total weight of <30 lb, overall physical size of <24"x7"x4", and power consumption of <45 W while the micro-towed body is deployed. In Phase I, POC will develop the CATMADS design to meet all Navy requirements, and establish a method to fabricate a functional prototype in Phase II. POC will provide estimates of size, weight, power, and drag of the CATMADS, and pertinent information on the selected MAD system. Benefits: The use of towed sonar and other types of towed sensors, such as magnetic and imaging sensors, has been increasing in marine and oceanic research. These sensors are deployed in either towed or stand alone configurations, both of which require deployment and retrieval (D&R) from moving platforms such as aircraft, ships, and boats. Examples of this application are the fish-finding sonar towed by commercial fishing boats, the ocean floor imaging sonar towed by research vessels. Imaging sonar and MAD can also be used in search and rescue operations for finding missing aircrafts (e.g. Malaysian Airlines MH370) or vessels. Regardless of the method of deployment, they all require motion stability and control for safe D&R and better measurement sensitivity. The CATMADS controller approach can be easily modified and adapted to these systems, even stand alone systems. For example, many commercial fishing vessels use sonar and sounders to detect fish; and active sonar and echo sounder technology to determine water depth, bottom contour, and bottom composition. These sensors are mounted on the bottom of the ship, making them susceptible to sea-state disturbances. However, they can be stabilized by using a gyro gimbal controlled by a modified CATMADS controller. Other uses of CATMADS include maritime security, oceanic studies, sea mine hunting, etc. For example, with the proliferation of deployed sea mines around the globe, the demand is continually growing for the technological capability to stabilize mine hunting sonar on various types of platforms. Additionally, the growing use of novel technologies to generate electrical energy from waves and the increasing development of infrastructure in the open sea will all lead to an increased need for underwater surveillance, which ultimately will benefit from technology that can mitigate unwanted motion disturbances. Return