A Software Based Navigation Agent (NavAgent) Tool for Navigation Systems Integration

The Navy has a need for an Underwater Velocity Indicator which can be mounted on a submersible platform and which can measure the three-component velocity of the platform relative to the water at speeds up to 40 kts. The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler(ADCP) can provide this capability. These instruments can measure the three-component velocity vector of the water relative to the platform on which they are mounted at a sequence of ranges from the transducer face. This well established acoustictechnology is the most reliable and robust way of meeting the Navy's requirement for a compact saltwater velocity indicator system which can be calibrated and mounted easily on a submersible platform. Present ADCPs, however, are limited to speeds lowerthan 40 kts. by their processing capabilities and their physical configurations. Phase I will consist of reviewing the Navy's requirements and adapting an ADCP to meet them. We will consider both conventional and phased array transducers as well asexisting and developmental electronic implementations of this new, High Speed Underwater Velocity Indicator. We will provide a prototype instrument for testing by the Navy in Phase I.The High Speed Underwater Velocity Indicator will extend the use ofADCPs to high speed platforms, both military and commercial. This includes undersea vehicles and surface vessels such as patrol craft and ferries. It will also find application in industrial facilities requiring cost effective flow measurement data.