Multi-Modal Sensor for Tactical Marine Surveillance

ISL Inc. teamed with APS and ERAPSCO in Phase I to explore the benefits of an underwater sensor that collects both acoustic and electric field (E-field) signals. Exploitation of both signals offers new possibilities for sensor cueing, data fusion, and classification. In Phase II, data were collected against actual targets, and the advantages of dual-signal data fusion was confirmed, in increased detections, false alarm reduction, vessel classification and kinematic tracking. The Phase 2.5 program will design, fabricate and test an A-size prototype of a combined E-field/acoustic sonobuoy, that is air-launchable. ISL and ERAPSCO will work together to finalize the sonobuoy design begun in Phase II, and fabricate it into an A-size prototype. The E-field electronics, mechanical electrode deployment and data communications will be integrated into a DIFAR SSQ-53 electronic and physical framework. Extensive lab and at-sea testing will be accomplished, and prototype sonobuoys will be launched against a target in a 2012 Fleet test. Finally, preliminary air-worthiness evaluations will be conducted, in preparation for final air and sea tests to be accomplished in Phase 3. At that time, the sonobuoys will be ready for air-launched intelligence data collections as their first application.