Forward Bathymetry and Obstacle Avoidance Sensing for Safe High Speed Boat Operation Using 3D Forward Looking Sonar Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-077 Topic Title: Forward Bathymetry and Obstacle Avoidance Sensing for Safe High Speed Boat Operation Using 3D Forward Looking Sonar Proposal No.: N101-077-0272 Firm: FarSounder, Inc. 43 Jefferson Blvd. Warwick, Rhode Island 02888 Contact: Matthew Zimmerman Phone: (401) 784-6700 Web Site: www.farsounder.com Abstract: In order to improve the safety and efficiency of navy high speed small boat operations, FarSounder proposes a 3-dimensional, forward looking sonar solution capable of simultaneous bathymetry sensing and obstacle detection out to ranges of at least 1640 ft (500m). Additionally, the system will be cable of 50 knot operation and suitable for installation on a high speed planing vessel such as common 11-meter RHIBs: the SOCHRIB, NSW RHIB, and certain classes of Unmanned Marine Vessels (UMVs). Additionally, the system will be designed to include a simple to use and understand human interface as well as a machine interface suitable for integrating the sonar''s data output into 3rd party command and control systems. Benefits: This system/project would open up new possibilities in marine navigation by addressing safety problems associated with high-speed small boats operations/nagivation. It would allow for faster operation through more direct transit routes, with reduced risk of groundings or collisions with floating objects. The US Navy will benefit significantly from the development of this new high speed sensor system as it would: >allow manned high-speed small boats to operate at the intended speeds for which the vessels were designed while offering safe passage by avoiding obstacles and groundings, >enable PM 403''s Unmanned Cooperative Cueing and Intervention vessels to accomplish their FNC intended missions and increase their mission effectiveness, >provide insight into the bathymetry in front of the vessels, >allow 3D navigation data input to the navigation control system for UMVs, >offer safer operations in very shallow, near shore and riverine environments, and >result in reduced marine mammal ship strikes by Navy vessels. Applications and benefits to commercial interests could: >allow for safer navigation for the high-speed ferry industry which must balance passenger safety with speed as well as environmental impact. The technology also has potential to reduce insurance costs for ferry boat operators. >allow for safer navigation for high speed mega and super yachts with planing hulls >offer police, fire, port security and emergency departments with high speed craft safer transiting to their missions and allow transiting through open waterways for post disaster operations in debris filled waters, >result in reduced marine mammal ship strikes by high speed commercial and recreational vessels, and >allow safer and shorter routes for high speed, jet powered short sea and transatlantic shipping vessels. Return