Sprint Speed Capabilities for an Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-053 Topic Title: Sprint Speed Capabilities for an Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target Proposal No.: N131-053-0321 Firm: NextGen Aeronautics 2780 Skypark Drive Suite 400 Torrance, California 90505 Contact: JAN PETRICH Phone: (310) 626-8661 Web Site: www.nextgenaero.com Abstract: Significant resources are required to increase the sprint speed capabilities of miniature AUVs which are subject to severe weight and volume constraints. This is aggravated when (i) high speed maneuvers are required to last longer periods of time, and (ii) vehicle stability can no longer be guaranteed at high speeds due to vehicle design constraints. In the case of the ASW training target EMATT, the design challenge extends well beyond selecting more powerful motors and high-capacity batteries. As outlined in the solicitation, advancements in motor and battery technology are continuously entering the market. Although those systems have been successfully utilized for a variety of applications, the development of an optimization strategy that (i) combines individual subcomponents such as shroud, propeller(s), shaft, gearing, motor(s), and batteries, and (ii) adheres to stringent design space requirements still poses a significant challenge. To close this technological gap, the NextGen team will leverage previous work and proven methods in order to develop a hydrodynamic optimization tool that guides the selection and/or design process of subcomponents for a vehicle specific propulsion system. The optimization tool will expose several options to compromise between design parameters such as top speed, speed range, required vehicle length and overall endurance Benefits: The utilization of AUVs for environmental and tactical reconnaissance has expanded rapidly, resulting in the continuous expansion of their flight envelope, payload capacities, lifespan, and variation in their design. However, inherent endurance and speed deficiencies exist when operating miniature AUVs over long distances and extended periods of time without external or regenerative power sources. To improve upon those limitations, the NextGen team will develop a hydrodynamic optimization tool that is capable of providing valuable and far-reaching design guidelines for propeller driven AUV propulsion systems. The tool will be held modular in order to accommodate a variety of vehicle designs. Thus, the team will further pave the way for reliably deploying miniature AUVs that offer the benefits of i) convenient deployment and recovery, ii) the ability to navigate shallow riverine environments that are not accessible for large and medium scale submarines, and iii) providing a low-cost solution for chemical and biological sampling missions. The emerging civil AUV applications include disaster monitoring, environmental reconnaissance, border patrol, pipeline installation and maintenance, and search and rescue. Return