SBIR-STTR Award

The advanced multi-mode/multi-vernier AN/AQA-7(v)lo/ll and AN/UYS-1 acoustic signal processors provide an almost unlimited number of mode selection and vernier selection/placement options. This wide diversity of processor configuration options thus allows the operator to tailor the set-up of his equipment to maximize acoustic detection performance for each tactical situation, threat(s) scenario, and set of environmental conditions encountered during an asw mission. However, high operator work loads during critical tactical evolutions, inexperience, inadequate training, and/or lack of ready access to essential data limit the capability of operators to optimize the configuration of the processor to maximize acoustic detection performance. This proposed effort will determine the feasibility of extending techniques, algorithms and logic developed to provide on-board decision aids for the employment of towed array sonars to the employment of advanced multi-mode/multi-vernier acoustic signal processing in asw aircraft. The result of this effort will be a detailed design for a fast-running, accurate on-board mode selection (obms) software package capable of providing the processor mode selection/vernier selection/placement advisories for all tactical situations, threat(s) sensor combinations, and environmental conditions encountered during an asw mission.

The P3C AN/AQA-7 (V) 10/11-SASP Acoustic processors provide almost unlimited selection of base band and multi-vernier settings by the acoustic operator. However, environmental conditions, processor capabilities and threat characteristics must all be considered in making selection decisions by the operator. The objective of this project is to research and develop a Proof-Of-Concept (POC) level design of an On-Board Mode Selection Computer Program for the P3C U m SASP acoustic operator base on previous Phase I results. This effort will include the development of an object-oriented Acoustic Threat Target OBMS Data Base; expansion, up-dating, testing and modification of OBMS MOE, operator interface, display interface, display interface, Raymode interface and output software and algorithms; data entry and programming of all OBMS algorithms, software routines and data storage/recall software; OBMS System testing, validation and further research and development; delivery of a Proof-Of Concept level of design prototype system; POC System field testing, evaluation and modification; and delivery of a POC System will full OBMS documentation and an Operators Manual to support future USN development and evaluation.