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Underwater Acoustic Positioning System

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N00024-05-C-4121
Agency Tracking Number: N043-205-0509
Amount: $98,388.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N04-205
Solicitation Number: 2004.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-02-02
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-01-24
Small Business Information
879 Ward Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
United States
DUNS: 063802250
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Richard Franklin
 Business Area Mgr., Nav. Systems
 (805) 690-5360
 franklin@sonatech.com
Business Contact
 Michael Ornee
Title: President
Phone: (805) 690-5300
Email: ornee@sonatech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Sonatech proposes to develop the operational concept for an underwater "GPS-type" acoustic positioning system (UAPS) deployable from surface craft or helicopter, providing multiple users the ability to navigate with GPS precision underwater. UAPS has application for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), SEAL delivery vehicles (SDV), and diver-held Hydrographic Mapping Units (HMU) and Underwater Imaging Systems (UIS). UAPS will consist of a field of autonomous acoustic transponder sensors transmitting periodic time-synchronized spread spectrum signals. Following deployment, the transponder array will automatically self-calibrate to establish precise transponder XYZ positions. User equipment will passively monitor transponder transmissions, and convert time differences of arrival to XYZ positions in real time with an accuracy of better than 2 meters. Each transponder will transmit its own position data periodically, so users need no prior knowledge of array placement parameters. Once transponders are deployed, no further surface presence or equipment is needed for system calibration or operation. Phase I investigations include: a. Detailed definition and design of all acoustic signals required b. Determination of the optimum method of transferring transponder coordinates to user equipment via acoustic telemetry. c. Define optimum battery chemistry and electronics package size to support all performance requirements while minimizing physical size and handling requirements.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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