Shark-Inspired Underwater Sensors for Homing and Imaging

This proposal in based upon the belief that the naturally occurring acute electrical sensitivity of marine sharks and rays used to navigate, orient, and detect food and objects can be replicated by man and possibly used for future underwater imaging and sensing capabilities. If developed, such a capability might allow for the detection of small, hostile submarines entering a seawater inlet, harbor or channel, or allow objects such as mines to be pinpointed in shallow waters where sonar imaging is severely compromised. Advanced Ceramics Research is involved in mission work providing unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and related support equipment for Naval Special Clearance Team 1, who specializes in Littoral Combat operations. This work also includes extensive efforts to provide new surface and underwater based sensors that directly interact with small UAVs.