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Compact, Light Weight, Low Cost, Precision, Non-inertial Underwater Navigation Sensor

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N00014-11-M-0336
Agency Tracking Number: N11A-027-0092
Amount: $79,909.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N11A-T027
Solicitation Number: 2011.A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-06-27
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2780 Skypark Drive Suite 400
Torrance, CA -
United States
DUNS: 106823607
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Jan Petrich
 Principal Investigator
 (310) 626-8661
 jpetrich@nextgenaero.com
Business Contact
 Zoltan Feher
Title: Manager, Contracts and Pr
Phone: (310) 626-8384
Email: zfeher@nextgenaero.com
Research Institution
 Virginia Tech
 Linda Bucy
 
1880 Pratt Drive, Suite 2006 (
Blacksburg, VA 24060-
United States

 (540) 231-5281
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Significant resources are required to ensure proper self-localization of submersibles without available reference signals such as GPS or LBL. This is compounded, when the vehicle remains submerged for extended periods of time which is often required for reconnaissance missions. In the case of a miniature autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the self-localization challenge extends well beyond INS filtering. Although, position and velocity sensor systems (DVLs) have been successfully designed for large and medium scale submarines, the miniaturization of those sensor components still poses a significant challenge. To close this technological gap, the NextGen team proposes the development of a sonar-based miniature odometer for underwater applications that aims to challenge the weight, size, cost as well as performance specifications outlined in the solicitation. The proposed solution will combine advanced sonar technology with software modules capable of deducing the vehicle kinematics, i.e. position and velocity, in real time. The NextGen, Lockheed Martin and Virginia Tech team combines year-long expertise in i) sensor calibration and underwater navigation, ii) system integration, and iii) image processing and state estimation. Sensor performance will be demonstrated by the end of Phase I. In Phase II, the team plans to integrate the sensor into Lockheed Martin"s Marlin AUV.

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

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