Vector Hydrophone Torpedo Defense Array Navy STTR FY2005 Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2005 Topic No.: N05-T030 Topic Title: Vector Hydrophone Torpedo Defense Array Proposal No.: N054-030-0289 Firm: Applied Physical Sciences Corp. 2 State Street Suite 300 New London, Connecticut 06320-6356 Contact: Bruce Abraham Phone: (860) 440-3253 Web Site: www.aphysci.com Abstract: An advanced vector hydrophone towed array is proposed for surface ship torpedo defense applications. Vector hydrophone promise to provide much-needed array gain in aperture-constrained systems. The additional gain results in significant increases in detection ranges and/or decreases in false alarm rates. A physics-based vector sensor array simulator will be developed in a modular architecture. The modules will be specialized for vector hydrophones and include target propagation modeling, noise contributions from electronic, flow, ambient, and own-ship, vector hydrophone calibration mismatches, beamforming, and detection and localization. The primary emphasis will be on beamforming, detection, and localization enhancements optimized for vector hydrophone arrays. A new intensity beamformer will be explored to determine its array gain and detection performance. Multiple target detection and localization using a vector sensor array will also be investigated. The simulator will be used to develop candidate array designs for a Phase II demonstration. Benefits: Anticipated benefits are improved detection range and reduced false alarm rate for aperture-limited torpedo defense arrays. The vector array will also provide instantaneous left/right bearing ambiguity resolution and directional noise suppression with a single line array. New vector sensor processing algorithms developed under this effort will be available to the ASW community. Potential commercial applications include oil exploration, marine mammal detection, tracking, and avoidance, harbor defense, and towed UUV sensors. Return