Mounting of Acoustic Vector Sensors on UUVs Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Topic No.: N06-145 Topic Title: Mounting of Acoustic Vector Sensors on UUVs Proposal No.: N062-145-0486 Firm: Applied Physical Sciences Corp. 475 Bridge Street Suite 100 Groton, Connecticut 06340 Contact: Jason Rudzinsky Phone: (860) 448-3253 Web Site: www.aphysci.com Abstract: Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the littorals require higher sensor densities than are generally necessary in blue-water environments, and inevitably place sensor platforms within striking range of enemy combatants. Technological preparations for the littoral battlespace have motivated development of unmanned underwater vehicles as cost effective ASW and mine detection sensor platforms. In parallel, new sonar system concepts are being developed for use on-board UUVs, including acoustic vector sensors, which measure at a collated point both the scalar acoustic pressure and the acoustic particle motion vector. These sensors provide for directionality in a compact body, and are ideally suited for use on UUVs. To date, a consistent and effective method for installing vector sensors within the "footprint" of a UUV has not been achieved. We here propose a dual-track development in response to SBIR Topic N06-145. In the first track, we will develop a concept in which a pre-mounted vector sensor, built into a protective pod housing, can be used either in the nose section or on the exterior of a UUV body. In the second concept, we will investigate and develop an approach in which the (typically) neutrally buoyant vehicle itself acts as a low frequency vector sensor. Benefits: With an emerging threat from quiet diesel submarines, and the need to populate the littoral battlespace densely with ASW sensors, UUV based sonars may emerge as a strategically important, and a very lucrative market for DoD sales. There are several opportunities for marketable products to emerge from the proposed effort. First, the Vector Sensor Pod concept eliminates what is now a significant impediment to vector sensor applications - namely, mounting the sensor such that its performance is consistent and known. Moreover, because we are proposing to build a complete integrated sensor package, APS might make an entry into the sensor development market. Since the company's inception, APS has been a recognized industry leader in vector sensor applications. Our second key opportunity to develop a marketable product is through successful implementation of the Vehicle as Vector Sensor concept. This approach could turn a relatively inexpensive UUV into a mobile, low frequency sensor, ideally suited for emerging, multi-UUV ASW conops. There are also UUV-based vector sensor applications for non-Dod use such as monitoring marine mammal populations. Return