Submarine Commandable, Integrated and Flexible System

To address the Navy need for a Commandable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Sensor, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Submarine Commandable, Integrated, Flexible (SCIF) system. It will provide the capability to connect changeable modules for in-field, mission-specific functionality modifications via our easy and robust VESTEC electrical connectors. The primary parameters of SCIF include a high-powered acoustic signal generator (175 W) for submarine simulation in naval exercises, speeds up to 20 knots using our Flipper propulsion system, and the capability to dive to >400 feet in a package matching the standard Navy “A” sonobuoy. The innovations in modular acoustic arrays, connector technology, and low-power, in-water propulsion systems will enable SCIF to fully simulate submarine signatures for naval training operations. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of SCIF by creating demonstration systems for the Flipper propulsion system and the acoustic module, and optimizing the VESTEC connector. In Phase II POC plans to further develop SCIF to create a prototype system for water testing, which will incorporate a second-generation Flipper propulsion system, a fully integrated VESTEC connector, a modular sensor package design, a first-generation acoustic module with signal processing software, and a communication system for use in the field.