SA PHOTONICS, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N211-051

Description

SA Photonics' High Fidelity Underwater Tracking System (UTS) will reduce the susceptibilities of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) MCM equipment in a broad range of contested operational environments, specifically high-risk mine areas while improving EOD ability to enable fleet access and maneuver in challenged sea space. The proposed optical flash LIDAR-based technology will help build a more lethal force and improve fleet readiness. Navy Expeditionary forces require stringent signature measurement and control, which can only be achieved with highly accurate tracking using non-acoustic means. Once high accuracy tracking is implemented, electromagnetic and acoustic signature reduction techniques can be applied at exactly known sources on the EXMCM EOD equipment. The proposed tracking system would help improve the ability to ensure minefield suitability of EXMCM EOD equipment (e.g. UUVs, ROVs, diver-held sensors as well as other equipment operating in mine danger areas like EOD boats) and supports USN UUV systems as defined in the Secretary of the Navy Report to Congress on Autonomous Undersea Vehicle Requirements for 2025.