Forward Bathymetry Sensing for Safe High Speed Boat Operation

ESA is pleased to provide the following proposal regarding the Lidar Collision Avoidance Bathymetry System (L-CABS), an above-water, laser-based, forward-looking collision avoidance and bathymetry sensor system. The significance of this innovation is the use of lidar sensors mounted above the water surface. Lidar is a mature technology that has been proven in numerous applications, including but not limited to airborne mine countermeasures. By mounting the sensors above the water surface the system is not susceptible to physical damage from debris, and issues involving cavitation from submerged systems will be completely negated. Further, the proposed innovation will overcome the physical limitations of sonar-based systems and provide the Navy with a robust and reliable solution that enhances the collision-avoidance capabilities of go-fast boats, RHIBs, and other manned and unmanned vehicles operating in near-shore and riverine environments. For example, lidar is extremely reliable at detecting sub-surface threats near the water surface whereas sonar has difficulty distinguishing legitimate collision-threats at the sea surface, particularly with respect to shallow draft vessels encountering floating or near-surface obstacles.