SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing a Modular Charge Delivery System (CDS) that may integrate to a COTS or MOTS ROV to support the remote neutralization of naval sea mines and underwater improvised explosive devices (UWIEDs). The proposed opportunity utilizes standard demolition materials in an over-pressurization (OP charge) configuration, integrates to an ROV such that it provides optimum flight performance before and after charge separation, and has provisions to allow a diver to manually secure it to a target prior to detonation.

Benefit:
Anticipated benefits of the Research and Development include: 1) enhanced EOD diver safety 2) decreased time on target for EOD divers 3) scalable explosive response for minimizing collateral damage 4) increased ROV capabilities Potential Commercial Applications of adapting the Research and Development include: 1) Hydrophone or similar device type delivery from ROV platforms. 2) Underwater xray delivery system for underwater inspective and non-destructive testing 3) Delivery of offensive charges enhancing sea mine delivery or limpets from ROVs 4) May serve as an integration solution for other sensor packages (i.e. SBIR N162-124)

Keywords:
UWIED neutralization charge, UWIED neutralization charge, ROV charge, scalable neutralization charge., Remote neutralization charge, OP Charge, Sea Mine countercharge, modular charge, Remote explosive charge

The Phase II efforts will focus on building prototypes of engineering designs submitted in the Phase I Final Report. The Modular EOD CDS consists of the following sub systems: 1) Modular EOD CDS Housing, 2) Integration Kit, and 3) Attachment kit. The system is designed to integrate to the SeaBotix vLBV currently used by the warfighter.

Benefit:
The Modular EOD CDS will enable US Navy EOD teams the ability to remotely deliver an over pressurization charge that may be used to neutralize and dispose of underwater sea mines.

Keywords:
Sea mines, OP Charge, UWIEDs, Unmanned Systems, over pressurization charge ---------- Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians are tasked with the mission of neutralizing explosive devices in maritime environments. Devices encountered include naval sea mines and underwater improvised explosive devices (UWIEDs). These devices are typically classified as bottom, drifting, or moored, depending on their intended deployment in the water column. The current technique to neutralize sea mines, or UWIEDs, requires an EOD Technician to secure an over-pressurization charge (OP Charge) in the proximity of the device. This manual neutralization technique presents great risks to EOD personnel and includes not only the explosive detonation risks associated with activating a sea mine, but also the inherent risks associated with diving operations. To reduce risk to EOD divers, engineering efforts were conducted under SBIR Phase I and Phase II contracts to design and test a Modular EOD Charge Delivery System (EOD CDS) that could be delivered remotely by a Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or a Modified off-the-shelf (MOTS) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The objective was to design a system that would meet end user requirements while enabling adequate flight performance and stability of the ROV during and after charge placement. Specific efforts were aimed to provide the warfighter with a modular charge capability incremented at 1.25lbs, 2.5 lbs, 3.75 lbs, 5 lbs, 6.25lbs, 7.5 lbs, 8.75 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, and 30 lbs. These charge increments provide the EOD technician with a scaled response capability to meet a variety of threats for bottom and moored targets.

Benefit:
Anticipated

Benefits:
Project success will enable US Navy EOD the ability to remotely deliver and neutralize bottom and moored mines using new ROV systems in both contested and non-contested waterways. Developing this capability for the end user will reduce diver risk normally associated with manual delivery of explosive charges and will increase the capabilities of US Navy EOD as it relates to MCM. Commercial Applications: Commercialization of the EOD CDS is expected to gain the interest of three potential markets and or customers. The primary customer is US Navy EOD, the secondary customer is US Marine Corp EOD, and the third category of customers is foreign military sales/first responders. Additional information relating to each of these customers is included in more detail within the Technical Proposal.

Keywords:
counter mine explosive, sea mine, explosive ROV payload, ROV charge, Mine Warfare