MZA ASSOCIATES CORPORATION — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: N23A-T012

Description

MZA partnered with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) proposes development of a volumetric atmospheric modeling approach which applies existing robust 3D modeling driven by numerical weather prediction (NWP) and includes key turbulence path measurements and point measurements for meteorological conditions.  MZA’s DELTA imaging turbulence monitoring technique will be implemented for submarine periscope sensors providing real-time path-resolved turbulence measurements.  DELTA will be accompanied by standard meteorological instruments, which are augmented with an aerosol concentration sensor.  This data set provides comprehensive anchoring measurements which are used as input to the volumetric atmospheric modeling.  AFIT’s LEEDR code and 3D weather cubes will be leveraged in Phase I and upgraded to include NavSLAM, thereby using the best surface-layer and volumetric models available.  We will advance the maturity of algorithms for integrating turbulence modeling and measurements, and extend these algorithms to include absorption and scattering through the atmospheric volume surrounding the periscope sensors.  We will develop the fundamental enabling measurements and modeling integration techniques during the Base Period.  The Option Period will be used for conducting a field test using existing equipment, and producing a conceptual design for a prototype measurements/modeling system to be developed during Phase II.