Frequency Scanned Phased Array Sonar

This Phase II proposal is to develop, build and operationally evaluate a prototype obstacle avoidance and near nadir sonar (OAS/NNS) for use in the Semi-Autonomous Hydrographic Reconnaissance Vehicle (SAHRV). The proposed approach will combine the results of a Phase I feasibility study with an innovative array-based sonar electronics architecture, modern beamforming methodologies and state-of-the-art high frequency sonar transducer technology to provide a low power, small size, and high performance OAS/NNS capability ideally suited to a wide variety of small undersea unmanned vehicle applications. The prototype system configuration will be sufficiently flexible to be tailored to suit requirements for specific mission scenarios and applications by trading off operational parameters such as power consumption and field-of-view coverage, resolution and update rate. During the Phase II baseline effort, a methodical design analysis will be carried out to characterize and predict performance and power consumption parameters and a rapid prototyping COTS based an operational prototype will be developed and tested. The prototype will be integrated onboard the SAHRV vehicle and initial at-sea operational evaluation performed. An optional development phase will provide integration with an obstacle avoidance processor (OAP) and at-sea testing on the SAHRV vehicle.