Shark-Inspired Underwater Sensors for Homing and Imaging Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-003 Topic Title: Shark-Inspired Underwater Sensors for Homing and Imaging Proposal No.: N051-003-1306 Firm: Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. 3292 E. Hemisphere Loop Tucson, Arizona 85706-5013 Contact: Bernard Zahuranec Phone: (520) 573-6300 Web Site: www.acrtucson.com Abstract: This proposal in based upon the belief that the naturally occurring acute electrical sensitivity of marine sharks and rays used to navigate, orient, and detect food and objects can be replicated by man and possibly used for future underwater imaging and sensing capabilities. If developed, such a capability might allow for the detection of small, hostile submarines entering a seawater inlet, harbor or channel, or allow objects such as mines to be pinpointed in shallow waters where sonar imaging is severely compromised. Advanced Ceramics Research is involved in mission work providing unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and related support equipment for Naval Special Clearance Team 1, who specializes in Littoral Combat operations. This work also includes extensive efforts to provide new surface and underwater based sensors that directly interact with small UAVs. Benefits: The industrial applications of the sensing capability developed under this SBIR program are applicable to both the defense and commercial sectors. Within the military there are several applications as discussed above where sensing objects underwater irrespective of the light level, or material makeup is critical. Similarly in the commercial oil rigs, tankers, water transportation industries etc., this technology would be equally applicable to ensure safety, round the clock monitoring or underwater facilities etc.. Return