Directional Acoustic Transponder for Underwater Positioning of a Clandestine UUV Network

"The problem of Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) positioning in remote locations poses a significant technological challenge. In future NAVY missions, networks of multiple UUVs are expected to perform in remote locations for forward-deployed forces(sometimes clandestinely) and therefore the platforms positioning system must also be forward-deployed. Today, acoustic-based positioning systems (LBL, SBL and USBL) have offered good solutions. However, in the case of remote clandestine missions thepre-deployment of multiple beacons and/or buoys for positioning is impractical. Also, the cost of high accuracy USBL systems hosted on surface platforms is prohibitive for UUV applications. As a result, accurate positioning in remote locations is becominga key to the success of future UUV missions. In Phase I of this work, GTI will develop several design concepts for a directional transponder mountable onto a UUV type SAHRV, to provide positioning of a clandestine UUV network. The approach offers a lowcost/lightweight/small size solution that meets requirements for positioning accuracy, covert operation and operation in shallow water. The concept is based on proprietary broadband adaptive technology successfully demonstrated on other DoD programs, andbased on GTI?s past experience in tracking UUV platforms from acoustic sensors mounted onto a UUV. Offering a solution to accurate positioning of UUV platforms in SW applies to many NAVY problems in t