Field Serviceable Non-Acoustic Data Logging Sensor Module for Towed Arrays

Research Proposed: Research is proposed to develop a novel environmental sensor for towed arrays for US Navy submarines and surface ships. The system will be self-contained and require identifying new techniques for sensors, power management, and data decimation to meet size, weight, and power restrictions. This novel combination of technologies will provide a reliable source of data for maintenance and future procurement requirements.Problem Statement: A critical tool in the US Naval fleet, submarines rely on their ability to listen for potential targets. Failures in a towed array can result in impaired data collection or mission failure. More data from the undersea environment is needed to be able to implement an effective condition-based maintenance solution, system upgrades, and develop future requirements. Plan/Process Outline: A Versatile Integrated Sensor for Towed Arrays (VISTA) module with a field-serviceable, self-contained recording system will be designed for year-long data collection requirements on a thin-line array. Modeling, simulation, and analysis will be used to establish the feasibility of using low-power sensors and high power density batteries to collect and offload the data at the end of a year. This system will include multiple modules for power, power management, sensors, processing, and data storage.