Swimmer Detection Sonar Network - Phase II: Integration Architecture

Under this SBIR project we are developing a Swimmer Detection Sonar Network (SDSN). The SDSN concept is to deploy a large number of networked inexpensive sonar nodes to protect a harbor or pier against terrorist swimmers. Under Phase I SBIR funding we developed potential schemes for the difficult task of integrating many sonar nodes. Under other funding provided by both the Republic of Singapore and the U.S. Office of Naval Research we designed and built a prototype of a single sonar node. This node is now undergoing testing here in the U.S. Late this fall, or early this winter, it will be deployed and tested in Singapore Harbor. This prototype node is designed to be a research tool that can collect data required for developing the SDSN. In an overall Phase II effort we will enhance the testing of this node in Singapore Harbor to address various design issues of the SDSN. Using the results of this study, we will then design, build, and deploy a multimode system in Singapore Harbor. The long-term goal is to eventually expand the prototype SDSN to cover a large portion of Singapore harbor, and deploy the system in many harbors in the U.S. and around the world.