N161-001 TITLE: Mid Frequency Active Sonobuoy

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 264, Air ASW Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an A-size Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) acoustic Mid-Frequency Active Sonobuoy (MFAS) capable of deployment and remote operation from Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), MH-60R, MQ-8 Fire Scout, and P8A ASW platforms, and in compliance with the Chief of Naval Operation (CNO’s) recent Integrated Warfare Capability (IWC) initiative requiring integration across platform boundaries.

DESCRIPTION: The need exists for a multi-platform deployable mid-frequency active sonobuoy to enhance the effectiveness of existing Navy mid-frequency sonar systems by using sonobuoys as off-board bi-static and multi-static sensors. The integration of the ASW search capability across platforms has the potential to greatly enhance detection range, localization and track capability by combining the inherent strengths of each platform. The need exists for a coordinated ASW system that provides a wide area search capability, while at the same time providing sufficient standoff distances for friendly forces. The newly developed system must provide a Multi-Platform/Multi-Static (MPMS) ASW capability needed to counter improvements to enemy submarines deployed by potential adversaries.

The Navy’s existing tactical ASW systems were designed primarily for mono-static operations. The development of a MFAS will improve the ASW mission capability to better protect the carrier battle group from submarine threats. The use of the MFAS for multi-static ASW operations in conjunction with Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS), SQQ-89, and existing passive sonobuoys is expected to significantly increase ASW mission capabilities.

Innovative solutions are sought for the following technical challenge areas; (1) competing goals of high acoustic source level, ping duration, and receive array directivity with the size, weight and volume constraints of the A-size form factor (i.e. 36" in length, 4 7/8" diameter, weight not to exceed 39 lbs.), (2) extensive acoustic bandwidth (890 Hz – 8.0kHhz) and mutual interference rejection in the acoustic band of 1.1 kHz to 5 kHz, (3) robust communication links connecting the various coordinated ASW search platforms, and (4) coordinated ASW multi-platform operational concepts required to successfully execute MFAS missions.

The design should include estimates on source level, receiver array directivity, life, survivability and cost. The proposed solution should demonstrate improved spatial coverage in shallow waters and littoral regions during undersea warfare missions by being able to act as source for shipboard and airborne mid-frequency passive systems in bi-static and multi-static environments. Investigate and determine the system operational envelope and design requirements required to achieve a significant system operational performance increase by ability to extend the overall static search area with an active source compared to single omni-directional hydrophone, see http://www.sonobuoytechsystems.com/products. Candidate ASW platforms include Littoral Combat Ship, SQQ-89 Ships, P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, MQ-8C Fire Scout, and the MH-60R helicopter.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design and evaluate the technical feasibility of an A-size Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) acoustic Mid-Frequency Active Sonobuoy in terms of ASW mission effectiveness (i.e. probability of detection for a given area coverage), technical risk, developmental/recurring cost, and impact on existing ASW systems. Provide MFAS sonobuoy detailed technical performance specification and design, in-buoy processing if required, remote data processing and data link options technical data in support of a concept of operation development using the system with the MQ-8C, LCS and the MH-60R Helicopter.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype A-size Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) acoustic Mid-Frequency Active Sonobuoy system that meets the design criteria developed in Phase I. Conduct demonstration and system verification and validation sufficient to confirm proof of design.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Deliver pre-production lots (16 to 32 sonobuoys) of sensors for use in operational testing. Assist in production development as necessary to support flight certification for the newly developed sensor. Assist the Navy with transition of the newly developed system to the ASW community. Successful development of this sensor system has the potential for use in undersea mapping, sea-bed exploration, and navigational systems. The MFAS technology could be used by the oil, mining, and navigational industries.

REFERENCES:

1. Dunaway, D., Proceeding Magazine August 2013 Vol 139/8/1, 326 Article, Creating Integrated Warfighting Capability

2. OPNAV Instruction 3050.25. Warfighting Capability, Capacity, and Wholeness Assessments. 30 July 2012

3. Waite, A.D., (2002). Sonar for Practising Engineers, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, West Sussex, England

4. Urick, R.J., (1983) Principles of Underwater Sound. McGraw–Hill Book Company, New York

5. Hodges, R. P., (2010). Underwater Acoustics, Analysis, Design and Performance of Sonar. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, West Sussex, England

KEYWORDS: Acoustics; Sonar; Bi-Statics; Multi-Statics; SQQ-89; Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS)

TPOC-1: 301-757-3694

TPOC-2: 301-342-2115

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