Energy management system for unmanned, untethered sensors

Research Proposed:The feasibility of developing an innovative and comprehensive energy management technology that could lead to revolutionary improvements in Combat Reach Capabilities (CRC)and significant increases in a force multiplier will be investigated. The goal is to optimize energy sources of untethered unmanned vehicles and unattended sensors in order to improve the overall mission capabilities of the platform.Problem/Opportunity:UUVs and underwater sensor technologies are maturing rapidly to serve a variety of fleet applications. The autonomous vehicle/sensor development is diverse and dynamic with specifications influenced by technological advances and emerging requirements.Sensor advancements have outpaced energy management development and this divergence has slowed the evolution and potential of this capability.Technology now exists that can solve this disparity and lead to a spiral type energy and mission package development.Plan/Process Outline:Identify innovative energy sources/systems and deliver a refined model that characterizes a trade space enabling detailed design solutions.Benefits:This technology will be the novel solution in overcoming the undersea energy management challenges and advancing into the next generation of long range and extended endurance UUVs/unmanned sensors.