TETHERS UNLIMITED, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N151-058

Description

The Multi-sensor ASW Pod System (MAPS) effort will develop an integrated system for vertical takeoff unmanned aerial vehicle anti-submarine warfare operations. MAPS will be composed of a podded system capable of conducting acoustic search operations, utilizing standard A-size sonobuoys and bathythermobuoys, and localized Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) final targeting operations, utilizing modern compact magnetometers. Development of MAPS system will provide the MQ-8C and similar rotary wing platforms with a single easily installed and removed mission store with both search and queued sensor capabilities. Integration of search and final targeting sensors into a single minimal SWaP system will enhance the capabilities of the MQ-8C by freeing a stores station for additional ASW mission stores such as air launched torpedoes. Tethers Unlimited Inc. (TUI) will leverage its ongoing efforts in the development of a minimal Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) towed MAD system for the MQ-8C Fire Scout integrating a sonobouy deployed to supplement existing MAD capabilities.<br><br>In the proposed Phase I effort, TUI will develop a concept design for the MAPS system, detailing component technologies, interfaces, requirements, and concept of operations as well as determining high-fidelity SWaP, cost, and performance estimates.