Automated Active Sonar Interference Avoidance Algorithms (ASIA) Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Topic No.: N141-039 Topic Title: Automated Active Sonar Interference Avoidance Algorithms (ASIA) Proposal No.: N141-039-0352 Firm: Daniel H. Wagner, Associates, Incorporated 559 West Uwchlan Avenue Suite 140 Exton, Pennsylvania 19341-3013 Contact: W. Monach Phone: (757) 727-7700 Web Site: www.wagner.com Abstract: In this SBIR project Wagner Associates will develop Automated active Sonar Interference Avoidance algorithms (ASIA) that will automatically produce a recommended Active Sonar Interference Avoidance Plan (ASIAP). ASIA assisted automated and accurate sonar interference avoidance planning will: (1) Improve search effectiveness (i.e., reduced time to detect and classify a submarine target of interest), (2) Significantly improve situational awareness and threat assessment, and (3) Reduce operator task load. ASIA will take interference with passive systems into account, and also do active interference mitigation planning for non-SQS-53C sonars such as the LCS Variable Depth Sonar (VDS). In addition ASIA will autonomously monitor the tactical situation in real-time, and, if more interference than necessary is being generated, alert the operator and automatically generate a new recommended ASIAP. In this project we will leverage our extensive prior work developing many of the U.S. Navy's systems that have or are being used operationally for optimally allocating ASW search resources, and in particular our previous development of the Operational Route Planner (ORP) and the MH-60R Acoustic Mission Planner (AMP). Benefits: Expected benefits of Automated active Sonar Interference Avoidance algorithms (ASIA) are enabling much more effective ASW operations by surface ships and aircraft. Aslo, ASIA could greatly assisting in mitigating the effect of active sonar on marine mammals, and also recommend active interference avoidance plans in mission areas such as mine warfare (especially with multiple unmanned vehicles), ASW with multiple unmanned vehicles, and radar search (especially with multiple unmanned vehicles). In Phase II we will develop full-scale ASIA that will allow us to demonstrate how powerful techniques for generating optimized search plans, designed to maximize military effectiveness, can significantly improve the effectiveness of United States ASW assets. Improved ASW mission effectiveness optimization technologies such as these are particularly necessary at a time when the United States is facing a sophisticated threat in difficult littoral environments, such as China, Korea, and the Middle East, with reduced resources. More effective detection of threat submarines will produce more effective operations, conducted at lower risk, resulting in fewer casualties to friendly forces and improved overall United States Navy and Joint Forces effectiveness. Return