HEFRING INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N192-116

Description

This proposal outlines a new approach to the problem of providing improved environmental awareness to manned subsurface vehicles. The proposal does not simply suggest a modification of existing instruments but a “clean-slate” approach with two coupled technology challenges. The first is the design of a flat, phased array ADCP operating at 100 kHz. The second is a mechanical design that responds to the relevant specifications for environments where possible explosive impact is an essential design constraint.We believe the suggested approach responds to the challenges outlined in the call. First, a flat transducer with estimated 10-in diameter is easy to mount in most manned vehicles. Second, a 100 kHz acoustic frequency will give a bottom tracking range of about 750 m, which can support advanced underwater navigation systems in all coastal seas. The water tracking range will be about 400 m, making it possible to measure ocean current profiles in all relevant environments. Third, the system has the potential (with appropriate software) to provide the surface wave height and direction from all standard operating depths. Finally, the system can be used to measure ice keel depth in arctic regions.