Detection Identification and Geo-Location of UUVs with Hiawatha

The utilization, and thereby, threat of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) is experiencing a significant increase throughout the world. UUVs can be used to track vessels, covertly map ports, and attack targets. UUVs are inherently quiet targets making them difficult to track via traditional acoustic methods. To counter the threat presented by covert UUV activities, other detection and tracking methods are needed. Nokomis Hiawatha detection, identification, and geo-location system leverages the electromagnetic fingerprint of targets produced by electronics onboard to provide critical information regarding potential threats. All electronic system components create electromagnetic emissions which can be detected from long range with a sensitive RF front end and advanced signal processing methods. UUVs are especially susceptible to detection via electromagnetic detection when surfacing to obtain a GPS fix or to relay data. Once detected, the specific features in the emission spectrum provide a way to identify the type of threat and allow individual UUVs to be tracked within a cluttered environment. The incorporation of a system-controlled camera allows for visual identification and tracking of any identified targets as well as the ability to exclude any surface vessels that are not of interest.