Application of NDE Techniques for In-Situ Inspection of Submarine Propellor Shafts

Disturbances in the earth's ionosphere can affect systems that rely on trans-ionospheric RF propagation. Validated DoD needs for real-time monitoring of ionospheric weather are not being met by current remote sensing techniques. Our proposal supportsdevelopment of an ionospheric imaging instrument capable of providing realtime information on a global basis about ionospheric irregularities to improve tactical operational responses supporting surveillance, navigation, communication, missile defense, andprecision geolocation. This SBIR effort focuses on reducing the instrument's cost, mass, and volume to facilitate integration as a secondary payload on geosynchronous satellite platforms. Future deployments aboard these platforms will enable real-timeglobal monitoring of ionospheric disturbances affecting both DoD and Civil Sector systems.A successful effort would lead to production of multiple ionospheric imaging instruments as part of a global multi-platform geosynchronous real-time imaging systemfor monitoring structures and tracking irregularities within the earth's ionosphere. The system would provide real-time information to systems affected by ionospheric disturbances leading to improved surveillance, navigation, communication, missiledefense, and precision geolocation. Potential applications to private industry communication systems may also provide benefits.