SBIR-STTR Award

The problem of Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) positioning in remote locations poses a significant technological challenge. In future NAVY missions, networks of multiple UUVs are expected to perform in remote locations for forward-deployed forces (sometimes clandestinely) and therefore the platforms positioning system must also be forward-deployed. Today, acoustic-based positioning systems (LBL, SBL and USBL) have offered good solutions. However, in the case of remote clandestine missions the pre-deployment of multiple beacons and/or buoys for positioning is impractical. Also, the cost of high accuracy USBL systems hosted on surface platforms is prohibitive for UUV applications. As a result, accurate positioning in remote locations is becoming a key to the success of future UUV missions. In Phase I of this work, GTI will develop several design concepts for a directional transponder mountable onto a UUV type SAHRV, to provide positioning of a clandestine UUV network. The approach offers a low cost/lightweight/small size solution that meets requirements for positioning accuracy, covert operation and operation in shallow water. The concept is based on proprietary broadband adaptive technology successfully demonstrated on other DoD programs, and based on GTI?s past experience in tracking UUV platforms from acoustic sensors mounted onto a UUV. Offering a solution to accurate positioning of UUV platforms in SW applies to many NAVY problems in the littoral environment. UUV use for Ocean Sampling Networks, MCM missions as well as ASW missions have been clearly identified in the NAVY?s current FNCs and most recently laid out in the NAVY UUV Master Plan (April 2000). The approach proposed here combines advanced proprietary broadband acoustic algorithms for detection, direction finding, acoustic network communication, covert operation along with innovative acoustic array designs for UUV platforms. The impact of GTI's broadband technology goes beyond the specific application of undersea platform positioning. This technology can significantly contribute to several DoD programs such as the SAHRV program, the Autonomous Operation FNC, the Organic MCM FNC, NAVSEA Manta program, as well as various DARPA's ASW programs using UUV or small undersea vehicles as forward-deployed platforms. Other DoD applications include positioning and tracking for divers operations, for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Special Operations (SEAL), and Search and Rescue. DoD applications are a significant part of GTI's commercialization plan. However, commercial undersea applications in the private sector are being identified for the next generation survey platforms (ROVs and UUVs) for cable laying, pipe laying, environmental and gas industry

In future NAVY missions, networks of multiple UUVs are expected to perform in remote locations for forward-deployed forces (sometimes clandestinely) and therefore the platforms positioning system must also be forward-deployed. In Phase I of this SBIR effort GORCA Technologies Inc. (GTI) has studied the problem of determining accurately and covertly the position of a network of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) operating clandestinely in a remote shallow water (SW) location using a single point positioning system. The development and demonstration of the design concept developed in Phase I for an acoustic Directional Transponder (DT) compatible for a UUV payload is proposed for Phase II. The DT will replace today's acoustic-based positioning systems that have offered good solutions in the demonstration phases of UUV technology. The innovative technology utilized in the DT developed in Phase I results in a low cost and high performance positioning system payload for UUVs. In Phase II of this work, GTI will refine the concept design of Phase I and build and demonstrate the first DT prototype to provide positioning of a clandestine UUV network with very high accuracy. The concept is based on proprietary broadband adaptive technology successfully demonstrated in Phase I and other DoD programs. Benefit Offering a solution to accurate positioning of UUV platforms in SW applies to many NAVY problems in the littoral environment. UUV use for Ocean Sampling Networks, MCM missions as well as ASW missions have been clearly identified in the NAVY's current FNCs and most recently laid out in the NAVY UUV Master Plan (April 2000). The approach proposed here combines advanced proprietary broadband acoustic algorithms for detection, direction finding, acoustic network communication, covert operation along with innovative acoustic array designs for UUV platforms. The impact of GTI's broadband technology goes beyond the specific application of undersea platform positioning. This technology can significantly contribute to several DoD programs such as the SAHRV program, the Autonomous Operation FNC, the Organic MCM FNC, NAVSEA Manta program, as well as various DARPA's ASW programs using UUV or small undersea vehicles as forward-deployed platforms. Other DoD applications include positioning and tracking for divers operations, for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Special Operations (SEAL), and Search and Rescue. DoD applications are a significant part of GTI's commercialization plan. However, commercial undersea applications in the private sector are being identified for the next generation survey platforms (ROVs and UUVs) for cable laying, pipe laying, environmental and gas industry