SBIR-STTR Award

The Navy requires a new Environmental Wideband Acoustic Receiver and Source (EWARS) sensor to facilitate the gathering of environmental and intelligence and data from Navy ASW platforms. The newly developed EWARS sensor must be deployable in shallow and deep environments, and be capable of operating over a broad spectrum of frequencies. EWARS also requires calibration accuracy, digital uplink format/precision, and high dynamic range. In this SBIR, RDA proposes the development of a sensor that meets these requirements and also includes the evaluation of some innovative sensor concepts intended to provide added benefit. RDA has analyzed a number of candidate sensor configurations, and our proposed configuration not only meets the requirements of the solicitation but is also feasible from a cost and packaging perspective. To minimize risk, the RDA proposed solution leverages heavily on technology already developed or in development on other U.S. Navy sensors. RDA has also included ERAPSCO as a subcontractor tasked for their expertise, to determine packaging and feasibility of the newly proposed sensor. Our Phase I approach is to establish a baseline set of requirements for the proposed sensor. We also plan to perform analysis and trade studies intended to address some of the more challenging requirements.

Benefit:
The newly developed EWARS sensor will provide the P3 and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft the capability to gather intelligence and environmental data. The EWARS is intended to be a family of sensors for gathering data over a broad spectrum of frequencies. The data will be used to enhance the effectiveness of a number of Navy Sonar Systems. The goal of this effort is to develop technology in Phases I and II into a sensor development program in Phase III. The newly developed EWARS sensor will be marketed not only to the Naval Air Programs but also to other Navy and non-Navy Program Offices that develop the systems that benefit from the data. In terms of non-military potential, the proposed sensor could be used by government agencies such as NOAA for monitoring the migration paths of marine mammals or tracking icebergs.

Keywords:
Sonobuoy, Sonobuoy, undersea, Sensor, hydrophone, Anti-Submarine Warfare, ACTIVE ACOUSTICS

The U.S. Navy requires a new Environmental Wideband Acoustic Receiver and Source (EWARS) sensor to facilitate the gathering of environmental data from Navy ASW platforms. The newly developed EWARS sensor will deployable in shallow and deep environments, and be capable of operating over a broad spectrum of frequencies. EWARS will also provide calibration accuracy, digital uplink format/precision, and high dynamic range. In Phase II.5 of this SBIR, the EWARS team will build and test both a low frequency and a mid-frequency sonobuoy prototype from specification as a proof-of-concept, demonstrating its performance by way of in-water testing. In addition, A-size packaging will be demonstrated. New processing techniques will be demonstrated that extend the current and planned sensor capabilities. As part of the development, the EWARS team will develop and demonstrate critical technology that can transition to production A-size sonobuoys. To maximize economy and to minimize risk, the EWARS prototypes leverage heavily on existing technology readily available or currently being developed for use in other U.S. Navy sensors. Prototype EWARS sonobuoy will be tested in an end-end configuration so that transition to production has reduced technical and cost risk.

Benefit:
The newly developed EWARS sensor will provide the P-3 and P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft the capability to gather intelligence and environmental characterization data. The EWARS is intended to be a family of sensors for gathering data over a broad spectrum of frequencies. The data will be used to enhance the effectiveness of a number of U.S. Navy sonar systems. Some EWARS family members may also be of advantage in Airborne ASW tactical use. The goal of this effort is to transition technology developed in Phase II into a sonobuoy manufacturing program in Phase III. The newly developed EWARS sensor will be marketed not only to the Naval Air Programs but also to other U.S. Navy and non-Navy Program Offices that develop the systems that benefit from the data. In terms of non-military potential, the proposed sensor could be used by government agencies for monitoring the migration paths of marine mammals, tracking icebergs, indicting drug trafficking, and guarding harbor ingress and egress.

Keywords:
Sonobuoy, undersea, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Sensor, hydrophone, ACTIVE ACOUSTICS