Sensor system for Precise Automatic Relative-position Keeping (SPARK)

When escorting a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), blocking vessels automatically maintain their relative position using dynamic positioning (DP) systems, which rely on scanning lasers to precisely measure the positions of targets mounted on the SSBN. To install the targets, SSBN crewmen must risk going on deck while underway on the surface. Laser sensors have other shortcomings: their performance is degraded by rain, snow, fog, smoke, or excessive vessel motion in rough seas; and they can lose track when the sun or bright lights are behind the target. Charles River Analytics proposes to design and demonstrate the feasibility of a Sensor system for Precise Automatic Relative-position Keeping (SPARK) that (1) will use novel short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) and covert radiofrequency (RF) sensors to precisely track SSBNs under all plausible environmental conditions, (2) does not require sailors to go on the SSBNs deck when underway, (3) helps safeguard operational security, and (4) meets regulatory standards for system redundancy by incorporating independent systems based on two different physical principles. If allowed to permanently mount three tiny covert RF transmitters on portable equipment normally placed on the bridge when surfaced, SPARK will provide two backup methods of precision location based on two additional physical principles.