Environmental Data Fusion for Mine Warfare

"Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc. proposes to develop a requirements report and a detailed design for a Current, Wind, and Wave Data Fusion (CWWDF) system for Mine Countermeasures (MCM). The proposed CWWDF system will significantly improve the ability ofNaval MCM forces to carry out their missions through the more effective use of available environmental data to accurately estimate the current, wind, and wave conditions in the area of interest. The system will allow MCM planners and operators to: (1)More accurately estimate the location of drifting mines at all times of interest, optimize search for them, and estimate their source, (2) Improve the placement of cleared lanes for use by landing craft such as AAAVs making it easier for the landing craftto stay in these lanes, (3) Develop more effective plans for MCM systems, such as divers, that are significantly affected by current, wind, and waves, and (4) Improve the ability to sweep pressure mines. Improved MCM technologies such as these areparticularly necessary at a time when the United States is facing a sophisticated MCM threat with limited funds to procure additional MCM assets/sensors. Effective use of environmental data fusion techniques in MCM operations will produce more effectiveMCM operations, conducted at lower risk, which will result in fewer casualties to friendly forces and improved overall US Navy effectiveness."