N252-117 TITLE: Interception of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software;Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems;Trusted AI and Autonomy

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative solution to intercept Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

DESCRIPTION: UUVs are a rapidly advancing technology, with their future progression likely following a similar path to that of Un-crewed Aerial Systems (UASs). Over the past decade, UAVs have significantly improved in navigation and maneuverability, and nations around the world have supported these developments for their own purposes [Ref 1]. Events in recent global conflicts indicate that similar technological advances are well on their way for UUVs. Therefore, an ideal proposal for UUV systems should allow flexibility for future enhancements, particularly the potential to improve the system’s capabilities to intercept future threats.

The proliferation of UUVs has created a need for the U.S. Navy to increase its ability to prevent trespassers from accessing its assets. Permanent underwater barriers are not considered a viable option due to the interference with our own port operations. Therefore, a more operationally supportable approach is required to achieve the U.S. Navy’s aims. The Navy is searching for the capability to intercept any unauthorized UUV that is trespassing in sensitive underwater areas. Interception is defined as the capability to reach the location of a trespassing UUV with enough accuracy for neutralizing actions to take place.

The innovative solution will be capable of intercepting small and medium sized UUVs travelling at sprint speeds [Ref 2]. The U.S. Navy defines small and medium UUVs as having a diameter no greater than 21 inches. The solution will include the capability to intercept these UUV classes at depths up to 800 feet below the surface.

Modelling the interception of underwater vehicles has additional challenges. UUVs operate in three-dimensional (3D) space, increasing the number of possible trajectories they can take. An interceptor can commit to an intercept path, but if the unauthorized UUV changes its trajectory, the higher density fluid (in contrast with air) means that it will take longer for the interceptor to fully react to the change. If the UUV is faster than the interceptor, the problem is compounded. Furthermore, the additional trajectories allowed in 3D space also limit the interceptor’s ability to fully anticipate and prepare for changes in the UUV’s motion [Ref 3].

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and SSP in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Define and develop an interception method that meets the requirements in the Description. Define and develop a method to deny the UUV access to our assets once it has been intercepted and meets the requirements in the Description. Define the proposed components of the system, including power sources, electronics, interception algorithms, denial tactics, interfaces, and any other design components deemed necessary by the developer. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept through modelling and simulation.

The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype UUV Interception and Denial system that meets the requirements listed in the Description. Demonstrate the efficacy of the system in an appropriate location. The prototype shall be delivered by the end of Phase II.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the U.S. Navy while transitioning the technology to Navy use through production, integration, and maintenance. Ensure that the final product includes any systems required for interception and subsequent denial or destruction of unauthorized UUVs. A user-friendly interface for ease of use should also be part of the final product.

Prepare a strategy to utilize the technology it has developed for commercial use. Possible uses include protection of commercial ports and shipping, or research into marine life.

REFERENCES:

1. Pullen, John. "The Latest Advancements in UAS." Avionics International, May 2023. https://www.aviationtoday.com/2023/05/04/the-latest-advancements-in-uas/
2. "What is the Best Underwater Drone?" Flying Magazine, May 2024. https://www.flyingmag.com/guides/best-underwater-drone/
3. Meng, Xiangqiao; Sun, Bing and Zhu, Daqi. "Harbour protection: moving invasion target interception for multi-AUV based on prediction planning interception method." Ocean Engineering 219, January 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029801820311872

KEYWORDS: Interception; Interdiction; Unmanned; Autonomous; Harbor Protection; Capture; Three Dimension Trajectory; UUV; AUV; Underwater Vehicle

TPOC 1: SSP SBIR POC
ssp.sbir@ssp.navy.mil

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