Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N151-038

Description

To address the Navys need for an innovative, low cost approach to collect real-time surface weather data for submergible vessels, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Submarine-Deployable Weather Sensor (SDWS) based on a new design that integrates POCs miniature weather sensor electronics with proven deployable buoy systems. Specifically, the innovation in POCs compact and robust weather sensor design integrated through novel packaging within a mature deployable buoy architecture will enable a low-cost, small sensing device that will accurately measure weather parameters above the oceans surface after deployment at depth. As a result, the SDWS will offer the ability to obtain real-time, highly accurate meteorological data to submergible vessels and meet the Navys need to provide timely and valuable data to support mission-critical planning. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of SDWS by integrating and packaging a basic sensor buoy prototype that can be deployed from underwater and accurately collect weather data. In Phase II, POC plans to optimize the design and implement features that allow for sensor deployment at submarine diving depths and to design sensor communication that interfaces with existing submarine capabilities, all in a low-cost package.