To address the Navys need for a multi-sensor sonobuoy for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new E-field Magnetic Acoustic Fusion Sonobuoy (EMAFS). It is based on a new A-size sonobuoy design that harnesses miniaturized electric field, magnetic field, and acoustic sensors. Specifically, the innovation in combining these three sensors with modern sensor fusion algorithms will enable the system to detect modern, low acoustic profile submarines at greater distances and sensitivities. As a result, this system offers a minimum of 3-dB acoustic signal strength in comparison to existing sonobuoys, which directly addresses the PMA264 requirements for a sonobuoy with greater range than existing models while simultaneously offering extended operational and storage life. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of EMAFS by incorporating miniaturized sensors and Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) with sensor fusion algorithms, demonstrating feasibility in a benchtop environment and reaching technology readiness level (TRL)-4. In Phase II, POC plans to deliver designs, prototyping plans, and costing for a finalized EMAFS buoy and develop five fully functional prototypes for demonstration with the Navy in an ASW operations scenario, reaching TRL-6.
Benefit: Successful completion of Phase III EMAFS will provide the U.S. naval fleets with enhanced submarine and submersible vehicle detection capability, enabling improved anti-submarine warfare operations within modern operational environments. These benefits can be expanded throughout the DoD for tasks where enhanced, non-line-of-sight perimeter detection schemes utilizing e-field and magnetic data are necessary. The EMAFS system can also be extended into the commercial market, where marine surveying would be greatly enhanced by the magnetic, e-field, and acoustic data that is captured, allowing for more detailed oceanic maps to be developed, as well as enable the tracking of large marine wildlife. The e-field and magnetic sensor components can also be fitted onto aerial geo-survey craft to improve their mapping capabilities.
Keywords: anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), Acoustic Sensors, E-FIeld Sensors, sensor fusion, Magnetic Anomaly Detection, Passive Sonobuoy, magnetic sensors
