Multiple Source Capable Miniature Directional Acoustic Receiver

This Phase I SBIR proposal addresses the investigation and development of technologies to produce a viable design for a miniature sonobuoy, with extended bandwidth response to accommodate active sonar sources from all of the U.S. Navy's ASW platforms; fixed wing, rotary wing and surface ship. ONR developed single crystal technology transducers provide wide bandwidth directional acoustic response in a miniature form factor. Innovative miniature sonobuoy packaging concepts enable the development of suspension and surface float components suitable for packaging in the MJU-10 launcher. The effort includes required hydromechanical analysis and design to allow the buoy and sensor to function in the sea states and current profiles specified for sonobuoy operations. Dynamic range issues are addressed as a means of enabling innovative sonobuoy location techniques and direct blast processing to support environmental adaptation. Part of the dynamic range solution is achieved by the development of an innovative sonobuoy RF link. The products of the effort include an uplink concept that is available for immediate insertion into existing multistatic systems and an innovative, high dynamic range, more robust and power efficient uplink format that complies with net ready RF systems.