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Compact Control Module for Short Towed Arrays
Navy SBIR 2010.2 - Topic N102-171 ONR - Mrs. Tracy Frost - [email protected] Opens: May 19, 2010 - Closes: June 23, 2010 N102-171 TITLE: Compact Control Module for Short Towed Arrays TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: This project will support SHD-FY07-01, SHD-FY10-03, SHD-FY10-05 RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop a control module that could be incorporated into a towed array to control its depth and location. This technology would increase the control of the array, and add to its capability thereby enhancing the array's system performance. DESCRIPTION: Current towed arrays use a drogue system that uses drag to straighten the array while it is being towed. This system increases the drag on the array and the length of the array. This system also reduces effectiveness since it reduces tow speed and, at very low speed, this causes the array to droop and hit the bottom. This topic proposes the development of an array module for incorporation into the end of the array. This module can apply the required force needed to keep the array straight and prevent the array from hitting the bottom at low speed. The module must be designed to be low drag and not add any more drag than the current drogue system. The system also must not add any additional flow or mechanical noise to the array sensors. New technologies will need to be developed beyond what is currently used in this application. These new technologies may include very compact buoyancy engines that require very small amounts of power compared to current state of the art, low noise actuators to minimize acoustic interference with towed array elements, new low noise/low drag fairing technology design to minimize acoustic interference with array elements, etc. The Towed Array Control Module would have application to the Navy platforms conducting undersea surveillance missions. This control module would be beneficial to arrays by providing the ability to actively vice passively control the array depth and position behind the towing platform at low speeds. This active depth control could be applicable to all towed array use in waters shallower than current systems, and would reduce the damage to towed arrays by reducing the amount of time towed arrays are dragged on the bottom. PHASE I: Design a towed array control module with a focus on the new innovation in technology over the current state of the art. For high risk technologies, perform a bench top test to reduce program risks in Phase II. In addition to the design information, include the expected noise that will be emitted from any actuators and expected flow noise from the design in the Phase I report. PHASE II: Complete detailed design from Phase I effort. Build and test two prototype towed array control modules for use in development arrays towed behind a surface ship. The contractor may conduct testing using their facilities and equipment to test the performance of the module. If necessary, the government will make available two weeks of test time in San Diego on a government owned array towed behind a government supplied ship to test performance of the module at no cost to the contractor for use of government facilities and equipment (funded by ONR). PHASE III: Integrate the Control Modules into Navy ASW programs of record. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: As more industry moves into the ocean environment, new markets are increasing for monitoring man made noise in the environment. This technology could be used by commercial industry (oil and gas, fisheries, agriculture, etc) and the recreational community to monitor the noise omitted from man made objects and conduct research on the effects on Marine life or use a method to mitigate effects on marine life. REFERENCES: 2. Description of MFTA http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/MFTA-The-US-Navy-New-Towed-Array-for-Naval-Detection-04956/ 3. Description of TB 29 towed array http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/tb-29.htm 4. Paper on theoretical work for towed array control: KEYWORDS: Trim, variable buoyancy, tethers, cable, arrays
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