Develop and Produce High Precision Sensors for Under-Ice Submarine Operations and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Missions

The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs Office has spent considerable funding to develop the Gravity Sensors System (GSS) for real-time gravity field measurements. Private funding has explored the use of the GSS system for applications related to improved unaided navigation techniques and passive terrain estimation. Navy funding and further private funding is being provided to develop real-time software and testing of these new concepts. These sensor systems and the test results form the basis for this proposal. Recently Bell Geospace Inc. (BGI) has utilized the GSS system to explore for hydrocarbons by conducting a major survey in the Gulf of Mexico. A NSF proposal has been submitted to survey the deep water area in the Alaminos Canyon to assess the oil bearing potential of this region. The purpose of the proposed effort is to apply the results from these extensive past and continuing efforts and to examine system mechanisms which are applicable to submarine and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) platforms. The study will develop accuracy potential, size, power and environmental limitations for each mechanism. Also the study will recommend future development and test efforts that would be required to demonstrate the operational feasibility of each mechanism.