Handheld Sonar Intercept Receiver for Divers

As the use of commercially available diver detection systems becomes more widespread, Navy divers will face a greater risk of being detected while conducting clandestine operations. If a diver is conducting an operation in enemy waters where an active diver detection system is employed, the entire mission can fail and lives can be lost if he is detected. What is needed is a portable system that can detect the active system and provide bearing information to the diver before he is detected. AAC proposes to develop a portable diver acoustic intercept system that can detect high-frequency active emissions, provide bearing, and potentially provide signal strength and frequency information as well. This information will be provided on an intuitive display that will be designed to be as small as possible, with the end goal being a display that leaves the diver’s hands free. The entire system, including high-frequency hydrophones, processing electronics, and power source, will be compact and easy to implement on a diver. Because of the system’s small size, it will readily be applicable to UUVs and SDVs.