Rapid Mobile Geotechnical Measurement System for Amphibious Operations

The proposed systems approach referred to as Sea Otter is an integrated family of sensors that can measure trafficability and hydrographic information in a low profile, large area manner. The Sea Otter measures soil strength to a depth of 24-in, shear strength, rolling resistance, grade, and topography in a single system. The design permits flexibility in coverage area and deep penetration under submerged and exposed soils providing high fidelity data. The Sea Otter system includes various delivery options and means of remotely and clandestinely exfiltrating data. The design leverages work performed for dry land operations and extends it to the more challenging underwater regime through adaptation of past research in a unique capability set.