Components for a Deep Drifting Sonobuoy Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-117 Topic Title: Components for a Deep Drifting Sonobuoy Proposal No.: N142-117-0327 Firm: Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. P.O. Box 1206 Kailua, Hawaii 96734-1206 Contact: Jose Andres Phone: (808) 259-8871 Web Site: http://www.makai.com Abstract: Makai proposes to complete a parametric analysis of candidate sonobuoy components for a conceptual deep drifting sonobuoy system. These results will enable the Navy to perform a tradeoff analysis of the sonobuoy system to meet their operational requirements and form-factor constraint. Using Navy-supplied location data, Makai will characterize the ocean environment in the area of operation and use Navy 4D temporal ocean current models as input to a hydro-mechanical numerical model to evaluate the dynamic loads on the different sonobuoy components (especially on the long and thin tether) will be compared to the manufacturer-specified component limits. The drift of single and multi-buoys over 30 days will be observed, as the acoustic coverage is an important metric for the Navy. The goal of this parametric study is to characterize how various component parameters (e.g., tether diameter, sizes, drag, weights, specific gravities): 1) affect individual sonobuoy space and weight; 2) perform against the system 30-day operational requirement and form-factor constraint; and, 3) influence single and multi-buoy geometry and barrier drift. Benefits: Makai's parametric analysis will enable the Navy to make intelligent trade-offs and design decisions for the planned deep drifting sonobuoy prototype. Understanding the trade-off between sonobuoy parameters (sizes, weights, energy consumption, and survivability) will allow the Navy to develop achievable requirements for each of the sonobuoy subsystems. This Phase I effort is expected to lead to a Phase II project in which Makai will design, build, and test candidate sonobuoy systems. If Makai is selected for a Phase II, and we are able to successfully develop and test a prototype system for the deep drifting sonobuoy, Makai will be in a good position to market this design and to develop commercial agreements (e.g., licensing technology) with incumbent sonobuoy manufacturers (e.g., ERAPSCO) to access the large DoD and international market for sonobuoys. One could estimate that once a Phase II for this project has been completed and a prototype of the system has been tested, the new sonobuoys could be commercialized in 12 to 18 months. Even if the new design captures only 10% of the total sonobuoy market (~10,000+ units) at a cost of several thousand dollars per unit, this would represent several tens of million dollars in revenue. Return