Small Team Command, Control, Communications and Situational Awareness (C3SA)

In Phase I Ceebus demonstrated the feasibility of an underwater, acoustic, direct-sequence spread-spectrum communication architecture, including actual data transfers and decoded message recovery. All of the communication algorithms were post-processed and communication was performed with a single piezo transducer. Prototype development is the next step in delivering a system that offers real-time communication, situational awareness, and seamless transition between both underwater and surface environments for the Combat Swimmer. The Phase II objective is to develop, test, and employ a “C3SA” device that has a transducer array for underwater location and communication, combined with “off-the-shelf” modules for demonstrating similar functions on shore. Communication and location algorithms will be optimized. Close coordination with the end user will be continued in order to determine the optimal configuration for an intuitive user interface. BENEFITS: The technology developed in the C3SA program will be applicable to the commercial and industrial dive markets. Such communication/location between dive group members will enhance the recreational underwater experience. Additionally, the ability to communicate and triangulate between divers and the dive boat delivers a capability unavailable today for emergency recovery scenarios.