Mid-Frequency Sonobuoy

The Navy requires a new Mid-Frequency acoustic receive array to serve as a multistatic receiver intended for use with the SQS-53C Bow Sonar and the ALFS Dipping Sonar. The SBIR solicitation is very specific in terms of the required array gain, digitaluplink format/precision, and dynamic range for the new sensor. While this proposed sensor represents a very strong candidate for meeting the Navy's bistatic active receiver requirements, other sensors or combinations of sensors could potentially meetthis need as well. RDA believes the Navy should evaluate a spectrum candidate sensors including one that meets the requirements outlined in this solicitation before committing to a single design. In this SBIR, RDA will not only address the sensorrequirements called out in the solicitation but also propose and evaluate some additional innovative sensor designs. Each candidate sensor shall be evaluated in terms of mission effectiveness, cost, deployment weight, logistics and technical feasibility.Our Phase I approach is to first perform an analysis of the candidate sensors identified in this proposal. Next, we plan to perform a performance analysis of a number of innovative array geometries. Finally, we plan to conduct a packaging and feasibilityanalysis for the leading candidate array configurations. The newly developed search sensor will provide the SQS-53C and ALFS systems with an off-board active receive capability thereby increasing the probability of making aspect-dependent target detections. This capability will not only enhance the searchcapability of those systems but also provide additional self-defense capability for the battle-group. The goal of this effort is to merge the technology developed in Phases I and II into an SQS-53C or ALFS system planned product improvement program in Phase III. In terms of non-military potential, the proposed sensor could be used for monitoring themigration paths of marine mammals. The new sensor could also be of value to the Coast Guard in both its homeland defense and drug interdiction missions.