SBIR-STTR Award

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) require acceleration and rate sensors to implement platform stability and navigation. Extended periods of submerged operation force the AUV's core navigation sensors to have low power and low drift performance. Previous AUV sensor suites comprised bulky spinning-mass gyros that reduced payload capacity and platform endurance. More reliable, lower power and less massive sensors are now possible by co-locating signal processing electronics on the sensor's wafer. An innovative dual-function solid state sensor - the WADDAN Multisensor - fabricated in a silicon chip, is a good candidate to integrate with its signal conditioning electronics. The resultant integrated sensor/electronics wafer will consume insignificant power, fit in approximately a one cubic inch capsule, and provide the performance necessary to navigate the AUV for extended periods between GPS position updates. The technical challenges, objectives and tasks to successfully integrate the Multisensor with appropriate signal processing electronics and complete the AUV navigation system are articulated in this proposal.

Keywords:
Inertial Navigation Strapdown Solid-State Sensor Semiconductor Coriolis

An innovative solution to the unique air traffic control problem created when flying unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in airspace with manned aircraft was studied during the Phase I effort . The proposed device will be carried in each UAV and measure and communicate vital air traffic parameters to the crew of manned aircraft constituting traffic to the UAV. Air interface will be backward compatible with the existing ATCRBS infrastructure and forward compatible with the Mode Select function. The device will detect manned aircraft in the UAV's airspace and advise both the UAV operator and the manned aircraft pilot of the UAV's altitude, range and bearing. The innovation is autonomous to the UAV and requires no new or modified equipment in the manned platforms. A proprietary technique will be implemented to communicate "traffic advisories" from the UAV to the manned aircraft's crew. The device will behave a an ATC Trasponder when interrogated from FAA and/or Military assets. Coordination with the FAA during the study phase resulted in an FAA letter to NAVAIR recommending further development of the proposed technology. A proprietary interfacing scheme will allow the UAV CA / IFF device to kit to a spectrum of tactical UAVs and Target Drones. This proposeal identifies the tasks necessary to detail design, build and demonstrate prototypes.

Keywords:
Transponder Iff Collision Uav Interrogator Advisory Airspace Traffic