SBIR-STTR Award

The Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) is a vital tool in the Navys ASW toolkit. Currently, the EMATT is programmed via the Field Programmability System (FPS), composed of the Run Geometry Application (RGA) and the Portable Target Programmer (PTP). However, The PTP is expensive, frequently unreliable, slow in downloading and limited in battery capacity. Recent advances in battery chemistry and data transfer technology open several avenues for potential improvement. In response to SBIR solicitation N181-074, OASIS has formed a team with Lockheed-Martin. Here, we propose to apply our extensive experience in EMATT operations to upgrading the FPS, focusing on eliminating the weakest link, the PTP. To accomplish this, OASIS intends to enable wireless communications between RGA and EMATT. This requires alternative power sources, including batteries with greater capacity and shorter recharge times and an AC/DC power supply, eliminating the need for battery power when appropriate. The Phase I Base will culminate in a proof-of-concept demonstration using existing RGA software hosted on a laptop to wirelessly program an EMATT on battery and AC power. The Phase I option will then define the path forward, toward a prototype FPS upgrade to be produced in Phase II.

Benefit:
Successful development of an improved Field Programmability System (FPS) will provide Navy personnel with an enhanced ability to program and deploy the Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) vehicle. The EMATT is a valuable tool in the Navys ASW toolkit in that it enables low-cost, realistic ASW training opportunities in virtually any environment in which the Navy is currently active. Potential commercial opportunities are significant in that, once adopted by the Navy, a significant production run of improved FPS will be needed to replace existing units, and they will subsequently need to be maintained and periodically upgraded, throughout the U.S. fleet and potentially, other allied Navies worldwide.

Keywords:
EMATT, EMATT, ASW, Field Programmability System, Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target, antisubmarine warfare

The Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) is a vital tool in the Navys ASW toolkit. Currently, the EMATT is programmed via the Field Programmability System (FPS), composed of the Run Geometry Application (RGA) and the Portable Target Programmer (PTP). However, The PTP is expensive, frequently unreliable, slow in downloading and limited in battery capacity. During Phase I, OASIS teamed with Lockheed-Martin to develop potential improvements to the FPS. In Phase II, we propose further development, aiming at completed prototypes by the end of the two-year base effort. These prototypes will eliminate the PTP and upgrade both the EMATT and the RGA software to enable Bluetooth wireless communications between then using either the EMATTs internal battery pack or an alternative internal power source (for programming only). An external DC power supply will also be used, eliminating the need for battery power entirely when appropriate, and allowing back-compatibility with existing EMATTs. The Phase II base will culminate in a proof-of-concept demonstration using improved RGA software hosted on a tablet device to wirelessly program an improved EMATT using both internal and external power. The Phase II option will then rigorously test these prototypes in preparation for transition to Navy use.

Benefit:
Successful development of an improved Field Programmability System (FPS), comprised of an improved EMATT and RGA software will provide Navy personnel with an enhanced ability to program and deploy the Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) vehicle. The EMATT is a valuable tool in the Navys ASW toolkit in that it enables low-cost, realistic ASW training opportunities in virtually any environment in which the Navy is currently active. Potential commercial opportunities are significant in that, once adopted by the Navy, a significant production run of improved EAMTTs and RGA software packages will be needed to replace existing units, and they will subsequently need to be maintained and periodically upgraded, throughout the U.S. fleet and potentially, other allied Navies worldwide.

Keywords:
RGA, Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target, antisubmarine warfare, Run Geometry Application, EMATT, ASW, Field Programmability System