Buoy Localization and Uncertainty Estimation (BLUE Phase II.5)

The Phase II.5 Buoy Localization and Uncertainty Estimation (BLUE) program is developing advanced algorithms and software to improve target localization error in air ASW multistatic sonar missions, particularly in situations where sonobuoy GPS measurements are unavailable or erroneous.  The technologies include buoy state estimation (BSE), fine bearing (and elevation) estimation (FBE), and the development of new operational concepts.  This program is conceived to add significant capability to BLUE BSE by developing algorithms and software to: better identify direct blast arrivals and automatically determine the prevailing acoustic paths for the mission environment using in-situ measurements, process low power buoy localization pings, and exploit duration pulse coding for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) search missions.  The program will also generalize FBE techniques originally developed for planar receive arrays so that they can be applied to vertical line arrays of vector sensors for both azimuthal and elevation estimation.  An end-to-end processing prototype based on the Coherent Multistatic Acoustic Processor (CMAP) that includes BLUE technological advancements and has been vetted through Advanced Product Build (APB) Step 2 independent verification will be delivered at the end of this effort.