Exercise Torpedo End-Of-Run (EOR) Global Positioning System (GPS) Locator

Detection, localization, and recovery of exercise torpedoes at End-Of-Run in an open-ocean environment can be a challenging and expensive evolution for the US Navy. Minimizing the time-on-station for launch, search and recovery craft involved in exercise firings can drastically reduce cost by increasing probability of successful and swift recovery as well as allowing more firings to occur in an allotted time slot. GPS technologies can provide the increased capability in rapid localization to meet operational and cost objectives. Key to the effort will be trade studies to best implement the existing technologies given the space and operational constraints of torpedoes as well as studying options for antenna configurations. This SBIR will clearly define and analyze the system-level requirements with the customer and apply those requirements to the trade studies for the GPS implementation and antenna designs, as well as an acoustic communications capability that will allow subsurface localization of the torpedoes. COTS solutions will be of first choice with custom design only as necessary. Particular attention will be paid to the shock and other associated Environmental impacts on design, as well as the power requirements. Commonality of design between MK54 and MK48 will be maximized.