Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

An inexpensive sonobuoy to detect the Extremely Low Frequency magnetic field emissions from a submarine would complement the Navy’s acoustic detection capability. Under this program, QUASAR Federal Systems (QFS) together with Applied Signal Technology and Prof. John Hildebrand of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography will bring to bear demonstrated expertise in magnetic induction sensors and sensor systems to build a cost-effective underwater B-field sensing system. The system will be based on the QFS 18” long induction sensor, reconfigured to fit in an A-sized sonobuoy. The proposed system will be capable of detecting and processing ELF magnetic field signals in the ocean with sufficient sensitivity for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). The proposed system will fit into an A-size sonobuoy, have a sensitivity of 0.3 – 0.5 pT/rtHz at 1Hz, reject vibration and motion induced noise below 0.5 Hz, incorporate other motion noise cancellation capabilities, have integrated data acquisition, processing and telemetry, and be low cost enough to make a disposable system feasible. In Phase I, we will establish the feasibility of using a magnetic induction sensor for this application, and in the Option period, we will provide an outline design for a free floating sonobuoy prototype.