Multi-Modal Sensor for Tactical Marine Surveillance

In Phase II, Information Systems Laboratories, Inc. (ISL) will team with Applied Physical Sciences Corp. (APS) and ERAPSCO to develop a low-cost underwater sensor capable of collecting both acoustic and electric field signals. APS is a recognized leader in the development of advanced acoustic sensors and signal processing. ERAPSCO is a joint venture of USSI and Sparton, the world''s leading sonobuoy manufacturers. Exploitation of both acoustic and electromagnetic signals emitted by submarines offers new possibilities for sensor cueing and data fusion to reduce false alarms. In Phase II, data to be collected using existing ISL and APS sensors will be analyzed to validate the models developed in Phase I and for prototype system development. As part of the Phase II effort, an additional data set will be collected to validate signal processing algorithms for data fusion and to characterize system false alarm performance. The results of these tests will guide the design for an advanced engineering prototype of a compact combined E-field/acoustic sensor package with the support of ERAPSCO.