Marine Environment Deployment of Undersea Sensor Arrays (MEDUSA)

Rapid deployment of sensor arrays into deep sea and littoral environments requires reliable mechanisms and payload packaging in order to ensure proper placement and longevity. Additionally, sensor networks require reliable, repeatable coverage areas and spacing. The methods of achieving this can change depending on whether the sensors are deployed singly or as part of a multi-sensor system. TUI proposes to develop two prototype underwater sensor deployment systems, one for individual sensor payload deployment for use in creating distributed networks by deploying individual payloads in desired locations, and one for multiple payload deployment for creating sensor networks by deploying a single package that then autonomously deploys multiple sensor payloads. These systems can be deployed by several means, including air drop, from a submarine’s three inch launcher, or via hydro-casting from a surface vessel. Both deployment systems can provide an optical fiber link from the sensor package to a buoy to enable either RF transmission of the sensor data or data logging by a retrievable package. The proposed Marine Environment Deployment of Undersea Sensor Arrays (MEDUSA) system will provide the Navy with a low-cost, reliable, and effective means of rapidly deploying arrays of sensors in the deep see and littoral environments.