Automated Marine Mammal Mitigation Sensor for Multi-Static Active ASW

Based on its extensive experience designing, building, testing, and operating the High Frequency Marine Mammal Mitigation Sonar (HF/M3), the Integrated Marine Mammal Monitoring and Protection System (IMAPS), and the Swimmer Detection Sonar Network (SDSN), Scientific Solutions, Inc. proposes to develop a simple, compact, and low power active sonar for short-range detection, localization, and tracking of marine mammals. The requirement is for all the electronics and processing to integrate with an AN/SSQ-125 (A-size) sonobuoy. Preliminary analysis shows that a low source level of 173 dB re µPa2 @ 1 m should be possible while still achieving a range of 300 m and a bearing accuracy on the order of 10 degrees. The approached to be used is that of the SDSN system, simple fixed beams vice the use of a complex phased array system. The fine-bearing algorithm developed and proven for the SDSN will be used to determine bearing. In Phase 1 the feasibility of implementing the sonar will be assessed including integration with the AN/SSQ-125 source buoy. In Phase 2 a prototype of the mitigation sonar will be developed and tested at NUWC’s Lake Seneca test facility, using simulated marine mammal targets that SSI has already developed and tested.