SBIR-STTR Award

Etrema proposes to develop a modified acoustic projector design that provides broad bandwidth, high source level, directional output, high duty cycle, and high reliability in a compact package. The design will target the same acoustic source levels as the baseline Vector Projector with higher duty cycle, lower frequency bandwidth, and a smaller package size. Specific objectives of the effort are: identify specific improvements to the existing Vector Projector to improve source level and duty cycle; develop a notional projector design by performing a trade-off analysis of different projector designs; and, in the Option, develop a proof-of-concept design that demonstrates the performance goals. Technical feasibility of the projector will be demonstrated by using a combination of equivalent circuit-based models and finite element models to develop a design that meets the performance goals. Long-term performance and reliability will be assessed by identifying areas of greatest risk in the design and developing mitigation plans to address them. Etrema plans to partner with Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems in the development of the Vector Projector. Advantages of the proposed work will be an improved design that meets requirements for ASW and CTDCL missions.

Benefit:
The proposed Vector Projector technology is a leading candidate for meeting 360 degree coverage on large ships in the form of a bow sonar capable of high power, directional acoustic transmission. In addition, IWS-5 has a requirement for a Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) operating in a continuous active mode to perform ASW from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Advanced technologies are being evaluated to address volume and weight issues. The proposed Acoustic Vector Projector with Terfenol-D is an excellent candidate for this application. With assistance from Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems, the successful execution of ETREMAs proposed Phase I and Phase II SBIR efforts could lead to immediate technology transition.

Keywords:
CTDCL, CTDCL, transducer, Terfenol-D, sonar transducer array, vector projector, ASW, Sonar

Etrema is developing an acoustic projector that provides broad bandwidth, high source level, directional output, high duty cycle, and high reliability in a compact package. Specific objectives of the Phase II effort are: demonstrate performance of a prototype projector, optimize the full-scale projector design, and demonstrate performance of the full-scale projector. Fabrication and testing of the full-scale hardware will demonstrate its readiness for transition to the fleet. Etrema plans to partner with Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems in the development of the Vector Projector. Advantages of the proposed work will be a high power, high duty cycle, directional acoustic projector that meets requirements for ASW and CTDCL missions.

Benefit:
The proposed Vector Projector technology is a leading candidate for meeting 360 degree coverage on large ships in the form of a bow sonar capable of high power, directional acoustic transmission. In addition, IWS-5 has a requirement for a Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) operating in a continuous active mode to perform ASW from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The proposed Acoustic Vector Projector with Terfenol-D is an excellent candidate for this application. With assistance from Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems, the successful execution of ETREMAs proposed Phase II SBIR efforts could lead to immediate technology transition.

Keywords:
SONAR TRANSDUCER, Sonar Array, vector projector, Terfenol-D