TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors, Battlespace, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: NAVAIR PMA-264 Commandable Mobile ASW Sensor (CMAS)

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate innovative, air-deployable, commandable, mobile sensor technologies that would provide the capability to realistically simulate the full spectrum of Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) target signals.

DESCRIPTION: The need for Naval Air ASW forces to detect and neutralize shallow water threats has demanded the use of increasingly sophisticated ASW weapon systems. More practical and affordable in-situ targets to improve weapon system training methodology and tactics are therefore needed. The use of air-deployable mobile targets capable of simulating target mission scenarios are an efficient and valuable asset in training. Research in sensor technology, remote flight control systems, battery chemistry and computer-controlled in-buoy decision will be beneficial.
Current Navy technology is sufficient in some scenarios, but falls short of fulfilling all missions. As a result, there is a need for a Commandable Mobile ASW Sensor (CMAS) vehicle to incorporate modular acoustic as well as non-acoustic sensors. It should be remotely commandable from ASW platforms, and expendable or recoverable depending on the mission use. Volume and weight would be affected by aircraft payload limitations and should have the physical characteristics of a standard US NAVY "A" size sonobuoy. Unit cost should be comparable to current expendable sensor systems and mobile targets. Advancements in both acoustic and non-acoustic sensor technologies have enabled development of smaller and more sensitive signal receivers, but the application of these technologies to active signal emitters has not been investigated for applicability to ASW.

Communication techniques with applicability to underwater vehicles, along with improved vehicle "intelligence," should be investigated to identify opportunities applicable to expendable systems. Modular sensor packages, and the communication protocol necessary to support them, would be an important evaluation factor. Field changeable mission packages could provide grater flexibility and preparedness to adapt to changing missions and requirements.

PHASE I: Demonstrate proof-of-concept of modular payload sensor design to maximize CMAS mission flexibility and utility. Evaluate emerging power source technologies along with innovative low power in-water propulsion systems. Investigate aircraft communication link subsystem concepts. Develop buoy conceptual packaging configurations and demonstrate supporting modeling and simulation results.

PHASE II: Develop, fabricate and demonstrate candidate system components, subsystems and prototype sensor in a graduated iterative development program. Demonstrate working prototype in the ocean environment, with emphasis on over-the-side hardware.

PHASE III: Conduct integrated engineering and operational testing of an air deployed system. Obtain an air carriage and deployment certification, and demonstrate full operational functionality in Navy-supported test scenarios. Transition completed technology to fleet or appropriate Navy platform.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Technology developed in this SBIR could be leveraged for other marine or space based systems that require in-water mobile, lightweight, deployable systems housing a variety of sensor systems / components. This could include air-deployable search and rescue hardware, resource exploration sensor technology, and oceanographic survey instrumentation.

REFERENCES:
1. Safety Testing of Lithium (Sulfur Dioxide) Battery for Expendable, http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA241602

2. Maritime Patrol Aircraft And ASW Training, http://rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1441/MR1441.appe.pdf

3. Lockheed Martin EMATT, http://www.sippican.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/345

KEYWORDS: mobile target; acoustic sensors; non-acoustic sensors; remote communication; Antisubmarine Warfare; Jammer

TPOC: (301)757-1319
2nd TPOC: (301)342-2140

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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