Expendable Array Installation System

Rapidly deployable acoustic surveillance in the form of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission modules will significantly extend the tactical horizon of tactical platforms. This will be accomplished with wireless connectivity to the off-board sensor. The Advanced Deployable System is on the brink of providing this capability but is in need of an expendable installation system for deploying an underwater acoustic array. Progeny is teaming up with Ocean System Inc (OSI) to provide a Wet-end Installation System Element (WISE) and a Low Cost Array Installation Vehicle (LCAIV) to perform this mission. Our phase I effort includes the performance of functional and physical trade-studies to provide a preliminary design of the LCAIV and WISE components. Our team's innovative approach for the WISE is a launch-and-forget "bullet" that includes the array(s), power, processing, buoy and the vehicle. The LCAIV is novel with low-cost horizontal and vertical thrusters and advanced navigational capabilities to ensure that the array is laid straight. Progeny's experience in deployable sensors coupled with OSI's expertise in low cost unmanned underwater vehicles will enable our team to provide a capability to the Navy that will transform the way that ASW is performed in the littorals.