SBIR-STTR Award

We propose VLF Assisted Position Estimation and Resolution for Surface Ships (VAPERSS) to develop a capability to estimate position and velocity from very low frequency (VLF) signals of opportunity (SoOps) on a US NAvy surface vessel. Specifically, we propose to develop a candidate set of algorithms and system architecture which will 1) validate our concept of a global ionospheric propagation state estimator 2) validate our Phase I error budget using a candidate VLF receive antenna and notional RF path, and 3) provide results using simulated and previously collected data.

Benefit:
Robust GPS-denied navigation is essential throughout the DoD to counter jamming and spoofing attacks and potential commercial applications apply to a broad set of platforms. Initial transitions are aimed at naval vessels, large AUVs and other platforms that operate under the ice, surface ships and allied/coalition forces. Beyond the Navy, this technology has potential application to urban, subterranean and virtually any other platform that operates where GPS is unavailable.?

Keywords:
VLF, VLF, GPS-denied navigation, GPS, ionospheric propagation

EXP proposes on VAPERSS (VLF Assisted Position Estimation and Resolution for Surface Ships) the development of a prototype very low frequency (VLF) navigation system to demonstrate the navigation capabilities from the Phase I efforts at-sea. The prototype will enable navigation testing using the two target VLF antennas. The proposed effort begins with land-based testing to verify performance using each of these two antennas and concludes with at-sea testing to validate the prototype systems performance in a relevant environment. Testing this prototype at sea will provide the most effective environment for demonstrating and evaluating the VLF navigation technology for this program, as it allows the prototype to process live VLF Signals of Opportunity while undergoing realistic platform motion.

Benefit:
The VAPERSS system adds to the US Navys GPS alternate navigation systems by providing a solution that is passive, persistent, and resistant to jamming. Alternate methods for GPS denied navigation include RADAR, bathymetry, and celestial. This technology is being developed to address the Navys requirements for GPS alternative navigation systems. DOD Instruction 6450.06 and 6450.08 both state the responsibility to develop GPS alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Management systems that are consistently available and resistant to jamming. Furthermore, the DoD PNT Enterprise (DoD CIO) November 2018, details the responsibility to preserve PNT services to non-combatants outside the areas of military. This technology meets these imposed objectives by providing a navigation solution for the reasons stated above.

Keywords:
VLF, GPS-denied navigation, Navigation