Handheld Sonar Intercept Receiver for Divers Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Topic No.: N092-157 Topic Title: Handheld Sonar Intercept Receiver for Divers Proposal No.: N092-157-0666 Firm: Progeny Systems Corporation 9500 Innovation Drive Manassas, Virginia 20110 Contact: Ronald Ghen Phone: (703) 368-6107 Web Site: www.progeny.net Abstract: Navy divers face ever increasing risk of encountering diver detection sonar systems during missions. With the growing commercial market of diver detection systems there exists a need for portable devices that alert a diver to the presence of high frequency or ultrasonic acoustic transmissions in the vicinity of operation. A unique diver interface to such system must be developed to support the diver operations. To make the system effective, bearing and frequency estimates of the acoustic transmission are provided under a variety of operational scenarios. Both visual and audible warnings provided to the diver will enable real-time adjustments in routes to mitigate the vulnerability risk. Our innovative hand-held receiver packaging approach provides the ability to monitor the system without adding significant hardware to the diver. The operator interface features an intuitive solution that function under extreme in-water situations. Signal Processing must achieve high sensitivity with low false alarm rates, therefore full spectrum; spectral redundant based signal processing techniques need to be considered to enhance detection and bearing estimates within limited space/weight/volume allocations. Progeny's understanding of the acoustic intercept problem is critical to developing a low false alarm solution to this problem. Benefits: Progeny identified at least three products to be developed within this SBIR with commercial application outside of the Special Warfare Community. These include: a rugged devices for submerged applications, a waterproof operator interfaces for submerged applications, and a wideband acoustic sensor array for various SONAR applications. Each of these components has both military and non-military application. For Military applications, we envision marketing these products to the SDV, UUV, ASDS and DDS special warfare programs. Use of the wide band sensor has application in both the submarine programs to support both special warfare joint operations. For surface ship programs, such sensors could be used during in-port mooring operations as a detection system to localize divers who might be using other active transmission systems. Application of this sensor can also be constructed in situations requiring small portable intercept receivers installed on a temporary or removable nature. For Non-Military Commercial Opportunities, we envision marketing these products to the Homeland Security Program office to support shoreline protection systems. Similar to the surface ship application, local communities are interested in shoreline protection against intrusion. This processor or sensor could have application. Submersible computer systems and displays may also have application in the Oil Exploration Industry as well as Commercial and Recreational Divers that are interested in using such systems for monitoring and control of complex equipment or systems. Return