MODULAR AEROSTAT COMMUNICATIONS RELAY (MACREL) Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-039 Topic Title: MODULAR AEROSTAT COMMUNICATIONS RELAY (MACREL) Proposal No.: N131-039-0582 Firm: Robotic Research LLC 555 Quince Orchard Road Suite 300 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878 Contact: Karl Murphy Phone: (240) 631-0008 Web Site: www.RoboticResearch.com Abstract: Robotic Research LLC in an exclusive partnership with Carolina Unmanned Systems (CUV) and Unmanned Systems International Corporation (UnSysCorp), is developing the Modular Aerostat Communications Relay system (MACRel). MACRel is a system for deployment and recovery of a Lightweight Aerostat System (LAS) to an unmanned surface vehicle (USV). The work will include a sensor study that allows for a low cost method for the MACRel system to identify and react quickly to changing environment conditions that influence the launch, stable flight and recovery of the LAS. Using sensor inputs, iMACRel makes it possible to predict when to deploy or retract tether in order to decrease strain on the aerostat and the tether itself. The objective is to increase the communications range between the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) seaframes and Mission Package Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) by developing a modular aerostat communications relay system for the radio that is semi-autonomously deployed and retrieved from the LCS Unmanned Influence Sweep System USV. Benefits: The anticipated benefits of this project could apply to industries such as oceanographic research, homeland security,and, potentially, protection of commercial shipping. Return