Non-Lethal Ship Defense Response Systems (Anti-surface)

A variety of vessels may threaten a U.S. Navy ship. Accidental intruders may include fishing boats or tugboats that inadvertently get close enough to the ship to pose a threat. Non-dedicated harassers include protestors who want to contest the Navy'spresence but are not committed to violent actions. Committed terrorist category would include the crew that attacked the USS Cole nearly a year ago.Non-lethal deterrent must not incapacitate the intruding vessel crew or engine. Doing so could force the vessel to continue drifting toward the Navy ship regardless of the vessel's intentions. Thus non-lethal technology that incapacitates would not allowthe skipper to fully assess intent before lethal force would be required.SARA's proposed acoustic perimeter defense concept relies on the natural 1/ r2 fall-off of acoustic intensity to provide a scalable effect. The device uses a newly developed and tested, proprietary acoustic device with no moving parts, coupled to abeamforming antenna. The compact device is rugged, uses little fuel, is easy to setup and stow, and can withstand the deleterious effects of the ocean environment. Other applications, for this easy to use, no moving parts, technology include Coast Guard interdictions, a crowd control device for law enforcement, and a possible delaying "fence" at border crossings.