| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2008.2 |
| Topic No.: |
N08-194 |
| Topic Title: |
Tethered Antennas for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) |
| Proposal No.: |
N082-194-0633 |
| Firm: |
Brooke Ocean Technology USA,Inc
1213 Purchase Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740-6636 |
| Contact: |
Roger Race |
| Phone: |
(508) 990-4575 |
| Web Site: |
www.brooke-oceanusa.com |
| Abstract: |
When an AUV is underwater it cannot receive a GPS signal and it cannot communicate utilizing radio. This is a problem for users of AUVs. The ability to communicate rapidly and in real time, while still submerged could be very beneficial to many applications. A towed tethered antenna that will support two-way RF communication and GPS reception would greatly enhance the ID and localization capabilities of all AUVs. The immediate benefit to AUV users would be real time commands to the vehicle, which would allow mission changes "on the fly". Accurate location of the vehicle while patrolling in smaller bodies of water and harbors will now be possible because of accurate GPS fixes. |
| Benefits: |
Brooke Ocean Technology USA has 20 years of experience of designing and building underwater tow bodies. We currently sell a complete product line of BOT WING vehicles. Having a towed antenna system would fit well in to our product line mix, and we can offer this system to existing AUV users since our designs will be modular. Partnering with Bluefin Robotics will gain us entry into the commercial and naval AUV world which should help create substantial business opportunities. |