Long Period Heave Measurement System

New types of surface combat vessels are being developed for use in littoral warfare. These ships are designed to meet the evolving mission of the Navy which includes providing forward presence and dominance and support of expeditionary forces. The new mission requirements motivate the use of new hull-forms such as the tumblehome hull used in the DDG 1000. Improved heave sensors are needed to help ensure that vessel operation remains within the design envelope and to provide detailed measurements of vertical motions for use in weapons guidance. This project involves development and demonstration of a novel heave measurement system that eliminates the low-frequency drift problems plaguing current approaches. During Phase I, we will develop a prototype system and measurement of prototypical vertical motion profiles.