Novel Acoustic Detection Using Advanced Array Technology

Under this NAVAIR SBIR Phase II.5 Continued Development (CD) effort Applied Physical Sciences Corp. will develop and demonstrate the hardware and software for a proof-of-concept experiment in which advanced array and signal processing technology is used to help detect an underwater target. Vector hydrophones and low-power computing electronics will enable an acoustic receiver system that can exploit the characteristics of the source. The vertical vector sensor line array will provide good rejection of local ambient wind-induced noise while maintaining excellent gain in the search direction. Additionally the array will provide some minimal azimuthal steering capability via its dipole, cardioid, or intensity responses. Conventional and wavelet signal processing will be used to provide outputs to a detector with the goal of minimizing false alarms and maintaining a high probability of detection. Follow-on phase II.5 and/or phase III transition efforts with PMA-264 will miniaturize the concept for sonobuoy deployment.