Anti-Terrorism - Detection, Indications, and Warnings

Covertly deployed and serviced underwater sensors linked by acoustic communications and long duration AUVs. The U.S. Navy requires advanced concepts for organic protection of Fleet assets during asymmetrical warfare situations. In this proposal we addressthe clandestine placement of intelligence-gathering devices and dissemination of the resulting data. We describe a system designed to provide clandestine, organic underwater surveillance over substantial periods of time. We propose the covertpre-placement of underwater markers, followed when desired by the covert placement of multiple sensor systems at the marker locations. The information obtained by the sensors is extracted by a covert visit from an AUV, or it can be acoustically broadcastover large distances, depending on requirements. The core portion of the system is the network of sensors, all linked by acoustic communications, with a gateway designed to move the data from the underwater realm to the RF realm. The communicationstechnology for this core system is available today. The AUV which provides services to the sensors is available today, although enhancements will be required for this program. From a commercial perspective, Benthos views the integration of acomms, datatruck concepts, and the SAUV as a potentially important product for servicing underwater sensor systems for the oil industry. It will also serve as a long duration system for monitoring marine resources and environmental conditions in littoral waters.