SBIR-STTR Award

JRM proposes to develop a physics-based sensor image generation server for supplying highly-realistic multi-spectral images of arbitrary scenarios with arbitrary threats in support of COBRA ATR algorithm development. This COBRA sensor image generation server will support two modes of synthetic imagery to augment static field imagery: (1) full 3D simulation of arbitrary threats and arbitrary clutter backgrounds and (2) a hybrid approach that performs realistic arbitrary 3D synthetic target/threat insertions at arbitrary contrasts into actual background field imagery. For this effort, JRM will leverage its existing scene synthesis libraries, including (1) its real-time OSV sensor-scene simulator, which includes physics-based models for ephemeris, irradiance, emission, reflection, atmospherics, and sensor effects prediction, as applied to multi-layered, materially-classified 3D scene geometry in arbitrary environments, and (2) its proven geo-registered target insertion capability, for merging synthetic and real multi-band content. JRMs solution will utilize its capabilities to facilitate simulation of arbitrary and unknown scenes with threats in arbitrary sensor bands spanning 0.2 to 25um wavelengths with fidelity parallel to machine vision environments (e.g. Hardware In The Loop) with support for injected threats upon realistic backgrounds.

Phase II of this SBIR research effort fosters the next step of introduction and application in the development of a bistatic capability for surface and submarine Mid-Frequency (MF) active sonar systems. This development will enhance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability in strike group or coordinated surface and submarine ASW operations. Phase II builds on progress made in Phase I to develop and prepare the technology for a successful transition to surface ships through the AxB process. We will extend the prototype developed in the phase I option to a real-time advanced development model (ADM) implemented in the expected processing architecture of the targeted FY2019 transition system. This proposal focuses on use of existing Digitial Acoustic Communictions (D-ACOMMS) capability to facilitate subsequent transition to submarine applicatons. The ADM development will include an integrated Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) and Mission Planning Tool (MPT) with interfaces to environmental data to support optimization of system employment. The Phase II product will be designed to use offboard AN/SQQ-89 active transmission waveforms (including High Duty Cycle (HDC) waveforms, and the organic TB-37 towed or AN/SQS-53C hull-mounted receiver.

Benefit:
The system provides an increased ASW capability against quiet submarine targets and provides the advantage of improving submarine detection performance in coordinated operations while maintaining a degree of submarine stealth. It provides a step toward a potential future submarine bistatic active capability exploiting uncooperative active sources. Critically it provides tactical decision aids and a mission planning capability for a uniquely complex sensor employment that no current system supports. Bistatic active with the associated TDA and MPT proposed here has advantages over current monostatics in that receivers can be placed to support covert detection of adversaries at distances and locations where the monostatic system may not support detection, potentially provides the submarine with stand-off detection ranges exceeding the performance of its organic sensors, and increases the number of effective ASW sensors that can be brought to bear by the Theater ASW Commander.

Keywords:
Submarine, Surface Ship, mid-frequency, Sensor, ASW, mission planning, Bistatic