Improved Propulsion Technologies for Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Systems

NextDroid, LLC (NextDroid) proposes to design, build and field the next generation propulsion unit for a man-portable UUV - and to ensure this unit may be seamlessly integrated by multiple platform providers. The propulsion system will allow the UUV to sprint at higher speeds, increase time on station, and field new operational capabilities in a routine, quick, reliable, and uneventful manner. Not only will these capabilities improve the current Concept of Operations for MCM (by providing faster ingress/egress, greater tolerance to sea-state and facilitating greater stand-off), but solving these limitations will enable UUV platforms to contribute more robustly in the arena of seabed warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Based on decades of experience we have developed multiple propulsion and steering solutions for multiple clients. NextDroid proposes to build on this experience to provide a major advance in depth independence, top speed, propulsion efficiency, maneuvering performance, future spirals and other top level requirements and objectives. During Phase I, we will deliver a functioning prototype and to generate the data necessary to commence a Phase 2 effort. During Phase II NextDroid will develop and deliver key variants for integration into multiple platform providers.