Multi-Platform Undersea Warfare Modeling/Simulation Using Netcentric Techniques

This Phase II project will develop a prototype netcentric decision aid to support multi-static concept analysis, planning, and operations. The prototype will integrate existing Navy-approved systems, models, and data sources into the web-accessibleframework investigated in Phase I. The prototype will emphasize platform independence by leveraging open-source technologies, web interfaces with 2-D/3-D visualization support, and an underlying Web Services paradigm offering a reach-back capability tooff-board high performance computing resources.During Phase I, an investigation was conducted to determine a suitable blending of web and open-source technologies with that of Navy-approved systems for subsequent Phase II prototype demonstration. Thisinvestigation culminated in the development of a successful proof-of-concept demonstration for a web-accessible decision support tool. Requirements established for this Phase I effort included: remotely running a model via a web interface, selecting themodel via a user-configurable expert system, and 3-D operational visualizations. Phase I was successful in demonstrating feasibility of the prototype for a netcentric multi-platform tactical decision aid. For the Phase II prototype demonstration, a fleetexercise will be targeted to test the operational benefits of the system. Phase II will build upon the research and design work conducted during Phase I. The research conducted under this Phase II effort will contribute significantly to the development ofa fully functional multi-platform capable, tactical decision aid to support NAVAIR and fleet analysis, planning, and visualization for multi-static operations. The prime candidate for immediate transition of this computer-based tool for multi-staticoperations is the Tactical Acoustic Measurement and Decision Aid (TAMDA) Environmental Sonobuoy Program. Additional transition opportunities for this Phase II prototype application to other advanced decision support programs include Theater UnderseaWarfare, Common Undersea Picture (CUP), and FORCEnet. The most likely transition candidates for technologies derived as part of this Phase II SBIR project outside of DoD include the Deepwater Program (formerly DOT, now Department of Homeland Security) andU.S. Coast Guard. Additional applications might include commercial fishing, seismic studies, oil exploration, ocean monitoring, marine mammal studies, and others.