SBIR-STTR Award

Trident Research proposes to develop an innovative Disposable Real-time Underwater Mine Explosion Locator (DRUMEL) capable of accurately detecting and localizing the detonation of an underwater mine that has been swept by the acoustic and magnetic influence of the Unmanned Surface Sweep System (US3). The capabilities of a system to meet these requirements are an achievable extension of in-water scoring systems developed and fielded by Trident Research. In Phase I, we will examine the technology currently available to meet the requirements provided in the solicitation, and identify appropriate trade space for the design.

Benefit:
By the completion of Phase III, the technology developed here promises a commercially viable mine detonation locator system designed to detect and localize the detonation of a swept underwater mine, designed for cost-efficient manufacture, that meets all required environmental and safety standards.

Keywords:
Sensor, Sensor, Unmanned Surface Sweep System, US3, Underwater, Wireless, Acoustic, mine detonation, LCS Mission Packages

Trident Research proposes to develop a Disposable Real-time Underwater Mine Explosion Locator (DRUMEL) capable of accurately detecting and localizing the detonation of an underwater mine that has been swept by the acoustic and magnetic influence of the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS). This information is critical in determining mission effectiveness and in gauging the progress of the sweeping operation. The capabilities of a system to meet these requirements are an achievable extension of in-water scoring systems developed and fielded by Trident Research. The DRUMEL system is designed to be integrated with the UISS unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and to support testing on manned and unmanned test platforms during the UISS development and testing. After completion of initial capability demonstration, it is expected that the DRUMEL system would be integrated as an organic capability for UISS. The DRUMEL Phase II Base and Option efforts will refine the Phase I engineering design, fabricate and test prototype system components, and participate in coordinated exercises with the prototype components installed on a US Navy test platform.

Benefit:
By the completion of Phase III, the technology developed here promises a commercially viable mine detonation locator system designed to detect and localize the detonation of a swept underwater mine, designed for cost-efficient manufacture, that meets all required environmental and safety standards. The DRUMEL system would provide information required to determine mission effectiveness of unmanned minesweeping operations in day or night operation.

Keywords:
Unmanned Influence Sweep System, Underwater, mine detonation, Sensor, LCS Mission Package, UISS, Wireless, Acoustic