SBIR-STTR Award

Many cylindrical unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) lack the payload capacity needed for critical Navy applications. To improve this capability, Aret proposes to mature a previously tested technology for an externally mounted UUV payload launcher, which Aret designed to be low-SWaP and imperceptible with respect to UUV performance. Additionally, we propose to investigate an external self-deploying payload concept that leaves no trace on the host vehicle. For UUV-payload release commands, we outline a clandestine non-penetrative through-hull acoustic communications method for one-way and bi-directional data transmission. Arets Phase I plan includes hardware design, hydrodynamic performance modeling, and in-water testing to demonstrate the feasibility of our external payload deployment systems. Arets demonstrated experience with UUV payload systems and production-level UUV hardware integration reduces program risk. Following the selection of a candidate test vehicle and generation of system requirements with the Navy, our designs will provide a clear path to prototype fabrication and testing in Phase II.

Benefit:
An externally mounted UUV payload deployment system provides a significant increase in mission capability to its host vehicle. Aret anticipates our system will be easily adaptable and scalable to a wide range of vehicle platforms and payloads. We envision commercialization and sale of our systems to the Navy and DOD, as well as customers outside of the federal government with applications in off-shore drilling, subsea exploration, and oceanographic research. A primary benefit of our system is that it is easy to integrate and deploy on a UUV, reducing mission preparation time and lowering operating costs.

Keywords:
Communications, Communications, Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, Payload, UUV, mine countermeasures

Aret proposes to develop the REMORA payload carrier system. REMORA provides the ability to rapidly attach and deploy a payload externally from a cylindrical unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) without the need for vehicle modification or additional launcher hardware. The expendable system uses a high-strength vacuum force to adhere to the vehicle while remaining neutrally buoyant. A custom vacuum release mechanism provides the capability to self-deploy when commanded by the vehicle via a high-frequency, localized through-hull acoustic communications system. Aret demonstrated a functional prototype system in a laboratory setting and conducted modeling and simulation during the Phase I period to prove feasibility. In Phase II, Aret proposes to develop multiple full-scale prototypes for in-water test and evaluation on a Navy UUV asset. Arets Phase II plan includes critical hardware design, fabrication of multiple prototypes, and field testing to mature the proposed technology for the Navy. Arets demonstrated experience with UUV hardware production and integration reduces programmatic risk.

Benefit:
Aret anticipates the REMORA payload carrier system will provide the Navy with the general capability to easily integrate different UUV payloads with multiple vehicle platforms. The proposed technology is inherently scalable to different applications and can provide a low-cost, expendable means of deploying underwater payloads for operations including mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Aret envisions commercialization and sale of our systems to the Navy and customers outside of the federal government in commercial sub-sea applications.

Keywords:
Communications, Payload, mine countermeasures, Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, UUV