Multi-Modal Sensor for Tactical Marine Surveillance

Information Systems Laboratories, Inc. (ISL) proposes to team with Applied Physical Sciences Corp. (APS) and ERAPSCO to develop a low-cost underwater sensor capable of collecting both acoustic and electric field signals. APS is a recognized leader in the development of advanced acoustic sensors and signal processing. ERAPSCO is a joint venture of USSI and Sparton, the world''''''''''''''''s leading sonobuoy manufacturers. Exploitation of both acoustic and electromagnetic signals emitted by submarines offers new possibilities for sensor queuing and data fusion to reduce false alarms. The goal of the effort is to develop a small air deployable sensor package that can simultaneously observe the acoustic radiated signature and the electric potential signals from ships that are in the vicinity. We will develop appropriate signal and information processing algorithms to provide a robust multi-modal solution that improves initial detection performance (PD/PFA), target kinematic predictions (tracks), and target identification (target/on-target) based on features in both measurement domains. Data will be collected in Phase I to validate sensor and noise models and to make recommendations for an engineering prototype of a compact sensor package. This information will be used in Phase II to develop and test prototype a sensor with the support of ERAPSCO.