ESA is pleased to provide the following proposal regarding the Lidar Collision Avoidance Bathymetry System (L-CABS), an above-water, laser-based, forward-looking collision avoidance and bathymetry sensor system. The significance of this innovation is the use of lidar sensors mounted above the water surface. Lidar is a mature technology that has been proven in numerous applications, including but not limited to airborne mine countermeasures. By mounting the sensors above the water surface the system is not susceptible to physical damage from debris, and issues surrounding cavitation of submerged systems will be completely negated. Further, the proposed innovation will overcome the physical limitations of sonar-based systems in near-surface environments and provide the Navy with a robust and reliable solution that enhances the collision-avoidance capabilities of go-fast boats, RHIBs, and other manned and unmanned vehicles operating in near-shore and riverine environments. Lidar is preferred in this proposal over sonar due to its extreme reliability in detecting sub-surface threats whereas sonar has difficulty distinguishing legitimate collision-threats at the sea surface, particularly with respect to shallow draft vessels encountering floating or near-surface obstacles. ESA has teamed with KEO to ensure successful development and delivery of this revolutionary technology.
Benefit: The primary benefit of the proposed L-CABS technology is that it will support and facilitate the Navys objectives of enhancing safety of go-fast boats in riverine and littoral applications. The technology will ensure the safety of Navy personnel and high-value assets. The L-CABS technology will incorporate LIDAR technology to overcome the limitations of sonar in detecting obstacles and legitimate collision threats at/near the water surface. It is expected that the technology will benefit and be deployed by the Navy, Coast Guard, Private Sector, and facilitate a variety of spiral technologies that will benefit the warfighter and homeland security. For example, the technology could be adapted to detect unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), threat divers/swimmers, and even tactical mines.
Keywords: Sensor, Sensor, Navy, RHIB, collision avoidance, Riverine, LIDAR, Coast Guard, bathymetry
