Mounting of Acoustic Vector Sensors on UUVs

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the littorals require higher sensor densities than are generally necessary in blue-water environments, and inevitably place sensor platforms within striking range of enemy combatants. Technological preparations for the littoral battlespace have motivated development of unmanned underwater vehicles as cost effective ASW and mine detection sensor platforms. In parallel, new sonar system concepts are being developed for use on-board UUVs, including acoustic vector sensors, which measure at a collated point both the scalar acoustic pressure and the acoustic particle motion vector. These sensors provide for directionality in a compact body, and are ideally suited for use on UUVs. To date, a consistent and effective method for installing vector sensors within the “footprint” of a UUV has not been achieved. We here propose a dual-track development in response to SBIR Topic N06-145. In the first track, we will develop a concept in which a pre-mounted vector sensor, built into a protective pod housing, can be used either in the nose section or on the exterior of a UUV body. In the second concept, we will investigate and develop an approach in which the (typically) neutrally buoyant vehicle itself acts as a low frequency vector sensor.