Combined Acoustic and Electric Field Sensing Buoy for Marine Surveillance

Buoys for marine surveillance typically employ acoustic sensors for target detection and classification. A wide variety of sonobuoys have been developed for this application. However there are situations, particularly in littoral environments, in which the efficacy of acoustic sensors can be significantly compromised. In these instances, some level of performance enhancement may be possible by using supplementary sensing techniques. One option is the use of underwater electric field (E-field) sensors to detect electromagnetic fields generated by the cathodic corrosion protection systems typically employed on marine vessels. A buoy capable of detecting these signatures in addition to the traditional acoustic signatures could offer significant advantages, particularly in environments in which the quality of the acoustic data is compromised. QUASAR Federal Systems, a world leader in EM technology, proposes to develop underwater E-field sensors appropriate for integration into a combined acoustic/E-field sensing marine surveillance buoy. Working with Ultra Electronics Undersea Sensor Systems. Inc. (USSI) we will also generate a conceptual system design for a combined sensor buoy. In addition, we will partner with Applied Signal Technology (AST) to develop algorithms to fuse the acoustic data with E-field data and characterize the resulting performance.