N101-077 TITLE: Forward Bathymetry Sensing for Safe High Speed Boat Operation

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Unmanned Cooperative Cueing and Intervention FNC & PMS 403 UMV

OBJECTIVE: Develop a forward looking bathymetry sensor for high speed surface boats to provide them with safe stopping or turning to avoid hitting an obstacle. This sonar should be able to detect the bathymetry to enable a manned driver or autonomous autopilot to either stop, turn, or reduce speed in order to operate safely. This capability will increase the ability to operate at higher speed with increased safety near shore for both manned boats and the new unmanned surface vehicles.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Navy Forces operate high speed surface craft/boats near shore and in riverine environments. During high speed operations, the craft/boats operate with limited insight to the bathymetry in front of them. In these riverine and near shore environments, the bottom environment can change significantly in a very short time window because of sand bars and shoals moving into areas that were once navigable. Therefore it is important for the small boats to be able to detect the bathymetry at high speeds so they can safely navigate these waters.

These boats can travel in excess of 40 knots. During these high speed operations, impacting a submerged obstacle or a sand bar can be deadly to the crew and can cause unreparable damage to the surface craft. Currently for safe operation, the craft/boats limit their speed which then increases their vulnerability or reduces mission effectiveness. The operational users desire to have a sensor that can detect the bathymetry far enough in advance that the boat driver can either maneuver around obstacles or stop the craft before an impact with a submerged object or with the sea floor.

The physics around this problem will require an innovative solution. The transducer will have to be designed to reduce cavitation at these high speeds in order to eliminate bubbles that will prevent reception at the transducer. The system will need to be designed for ease load and unload onto trailer and be robust enough to operate at these high speeds and vibrations.

The bathymetry sonar that can operate at high speeds should be capable of measuring the bathymetry to a depth of 100 ft and have a view far enough in front of the boat to allow the operator to safely maneuver the boat. The sonar should be capable of operating at a maximum speed of 50 knots, and should have at least a 60 degree field of view.

PHASE I: Develop a preliminary design for the high speed bathymetry sensor. Provide the theoretical predictions of the system and develop a technology development plan for Phase II. The deliverable should be a preliminary design of the system. If the design or components of the design are high risk, a risk reduction plan should be included.

PHASE II: Complete the system design. This task should include any risk reduction tests, detailed design review, and test plan. Fabricate 3 prototype high speed bathymetry sonars and complete laboratory and development tests. Integrate sonar onto a government furnished 11m Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) located at SPAWAR San Diego. Support at sea tests of the prototypes on a government provided 11m RHIB located in San Diego.

PHASE III: Phase III will include the redesign of the sonar incorporating the lessons learned from the 3 prototype units in Phase II. Fabricate a production like system for government testing. Develop documentation of the system for transition into an acquisition program.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The tourist industry uses many high speed boats to give tours of the shoreline. These include large high speed raceboats that carry up to 100 people and small 12 person boats that are used for amusement. these boats usually go to known locations that are safe for their operation. Installation of this sonar could increase the boat's touring areas as well as increase the safety during boat operations.

The high speed ferry industry continues to increase their speed into this range. Many new catamaran ferries are reaching speed in excess of 30 knots. These sonars could be used to prevent an accident of these high value ships.

REFERENCES:
1. http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/depthfinder_fishfinder.html

2. http://www.fieldandstream.com/article/Gear/Sonar-on-the-Go

KEYWORDS: sonar; bathymetry; USV; small boat

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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