SBIR-STTR Award

UUVs have become increasingly important tools in the collection of environmental data. Their unique ability to operate independent of surface vessel conditions allows artic measures when traditional means is not possible. It is now well agreed that artic regions are critical to mans understanding of the environment. Historically sensor packages for UUVs have been based on adaptions of ship deployed equipment. This is particularly true in the case of CTD and oxygen sensors resulting in sensor packages which are cobbled 0x9D together, so they are not well fit for purpose. We proposed to provide a CTD/Oxygen measurement package that has been develop from the onset for use on AUVs. In combination with this program we will be integrating the new AUV based sonar products for integration with the physical property sensors such that a comprehensive 0x9D systems engineering approach is applied to optimizing all aspects of the combined sensor package for AUV use, with particularly attention to the requirements of deployment in harsh arctic environs. The Physical sensor work will be combined with a commercial sonar system provided by BlueView. The sonar will have advance ice mapping/avoidance and ice thickness imaging software developed by the University of Rhode Island. The team includes three groups with demonstrated ability to deliver innovation solutions to both acoustic and physical property measurements. Combined with a leading academic institution that has already been demonstrated its ability to develop advanced sonar imaging algorithms.

Benefit:
A ground floor up designed integrated AUV Physical Properties/Acoustic Mapping Avoidance sensor package will greatly increase the affectivity of AUVs and their ability to collect high quality oceanographic data. The individually developed technologies could also expand the ability of other programs such as the Argo Float program to increase the quality and variety of physical measurements made. Improved avoidance imagery combined with physical sensors with no external protuberances will improve the probability of UUV mission success. Continued improvements in UUV data quality and quantity will result in increased number of missions and collection of more critical environmental data, which will directly improve the Navy's ability to understand the environment.

Keywords:
UUV, UUV, Oxygen, Ice Thickness, bottom mapping, Acoustic Mapping, CTD, Ice Mapping

UUVs have become increasingly important tools in the collection of environmental data. Their unique ability to operate independent of surface vessel conditions allows artic measures when traditional means is not possible. It is now well agreed that artic regions are critical to mans understanding of the environment. Historically sensor packages for UUVs have been based on adaptions of ship deployed equipment. This is particularly true in the case of Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth, (CTD) and Oxygen, (O2) sensors. This has resulted in commercial sensor packages that are cobbled 0x9D together, with a result that they are not well fit for purpose. During Phase I the D-2 the team demonstrated a new suite of specifically designed AUV/UUV CTD & O2 sensors. These new sensors are ideally suited for deployment on a variety of AUV/UUV platforms. Additionally the technology is ideally suited for the rigors associated with high latitude AUV/UUV operations. The Phase II program will result in a UUV/AUV CTD & O2 environmental monitoring package that will enhance the Navys capability to perform rapid environmental assessments using its expanding fleet of AUV/UUV vehicles. The program includes the development of enhanced calibration equipment and methodologies to ensure the highest quality oceanographic data, while reducing the Cost of Ownership to the Navy.

Benefit:
A ground floor up designed integrated AUV Physical Properties instrumentation package will greatly increase the affectivity of AUV/UUVs and their ability to collect high quality oceanographic data. The oceanographic measurement technologies will also improve the ability of other programs such as the Argo Float program, increasing the quality and variety of physical measurements made. The proposed sensors offer expanded operational envelopes improving the probability of mission success, including exploration at high latitudes where extreme environmental factors are common. These specifically configured AUV/UUV sensors can be mounted with reduced external vehicle protuberances, reducing drag, therefore, increasing the probability of AUV/UUV mission success. Continued improvements in AUV/UUV data quality and quantity will result in increased number of autonomous missions and collection of more critical environmental data, which will directly improve the Navys ability to understand the tactical environment.

Keywords:
AUV, UUV, Physical Oceanographic Sensors, Oxygen, CTD, High Latitude