Acoustic Array Simulation Environment System Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Topic No.: N122-108 Topic Title: Acoustic Array Simulation Environment System Proposal No.: N122-108-0390 Firm: Sherpa Solutions, LLC 655 Hembree Pkwy. Roswell, Georgia 30076 Contact: C. Brown Phone: (404) 467-8866 Web Site: http://www.sherpasolutions.net/ Abstract: This program addresses a defined need by the NAVY for an Acoustic Array Simulation Environment System (AASES) to facilitate analysis of Time/Angle of Arrival methodologies as well as testing, validation and verification of antisubmarine warfare (ASW) systems on fixed wing (manned and unmanned) and rotary wing aircraft. This need can be addressed by deploying standard sonobuoys and actual vessels as the object to be detected and located. This method is effective but costly and labor intensive. In Phase I, a more cost effective and flexible testing and analysis system will be investigated. This will be accomplished by designing a system based around reusable sonobuoy surrogates(SSB) which receive and then transmit simulated signals that represent what a standard sonobuoy would have measured in its location from the chosen type and location of vessel in the simulation. In operation the system will receive the simulated acoustic signal for each of the SSBs and then wirelessly transmit that signal to the appropriate SSB which will then transmit the signal over a standard sonobuoy radio link. The system will consist of up to 64 SSBs each transmitting their received simulated signals for reception by any ASW receiver system. Phase II will implement prototyping. Benefits: The successful completion of a design and build program as described in this proposal will directly afford an increase in capability and flexibility for the Surface/Aviation Interoperability Laboratory (SAIL) to perform its tasks of Time/Angle of Arrival analysis, testing, validation and verification of ASW systems on fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. In the proposed system design surrogate sonobuoy devices receive a simulated acoustic signal based on their location and the location of an object of interest being detected. Because this signal is simulated and fed to the devices which then transmit the signal as if it were real, a multitude of scenarios and conditions can be tested with no logistical cost in monies or time associated with setting up these various scenarios with actual military equipment. The reusable aspect of the devices affords flexibility in that the system can be ready for service with just a charging of the batteries. This system once operational could also have immediate usefulness to other parts of the NAVY tasked with ASW training for reasons similar to those addressed above. In addition, the technology behind high speed transmission to multiple nodes over significant distances of data taken at high sample rates that is synchronized and time stamped could benefit efforts associated with array processing of acoustic signals such as infrasound monitoring or gunshot detection. Return