Low Drag Persistent Pressure Source for Increased Mine Hunting Effectiveness

To support Navy Mine Countermeasure (MCM) forces, KaZaK Composites and Boston University will develop and demonstrate a hydrodynamically-efficient towed system that detonates pressure activated mines by creating persistent low pressure regions mimicking passage of generic or specific ships. An effective underwater pressure source must create a ship-like pressure signature, including leading and trailing high pressure spikes sandwiching a longer period of lower pressure. System drag should be less than 2500 lbs for towing behind a RHIB. It will include bottom following, autonomous launch and retrieval from USV RHIB, be made from durable materials to withstand routine impact and mine detonations, and be low maintenance, low weight and low cost. KaZaK's system will not impact existing MCM equipment/procedures, require costly ship modifications, or jeopardize operation of the RHIB. By including both composite material and hydrodynamic engineers with experience in counter-mine systems as team members, KaZaK and the Navy are insured that evolving design will address all important requirements. In Phase I KaZaK will perform extensive design studies, theoretical calculations to predict pressure source performance, finite element analysis of critical mechanical load conditions, and CFD modeling to validate pressure and drag predictions. Phase II will focus on scale and full-sized hardware demonstration.