High-Power, Low-Frequency, Textured PMN-PT Underwater Projector Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Topic No.: N181-020 Topic Title: High-Power, Low-Frequency, Textured PMN-PT Underwater Projector Proposal No.: N181-020-0805 Firm: SeaLandAire Technologies, Inc. 1623 Wildwood Ave, Suite A Jackson, Michigan 49202 Contact: Jerry Cole Phone: (517) 784-8340 Web Site: http://www.sealandaire.com Abstract: As targets of interest become increasingly quieter, there is an ever-present need to increase the performance of active transducers (projectors) to improve the detection range and probability of detection for targets of interest. The projector performance metrics in particular that need improvement include: higher source level, lower operating frequency and increased bandwidth while minimizing weight. This is easier to do when size and power are not limited, however, due to the sonobuoy A-size form factor (4 7/8�?? x 36�??) space constraints there is a limitation on the size and power, and that is the challenge that must be overcome. The objective of this SBIR program is to design, develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a projector that exploits the enhanced properties of PMN-PT textured ceramic. The new piezoelectric material, PMN-PT texture ceramic, presents the opportunity to address the challenge of increasing an active sonobuoy performance metrics for low frequency response, increased sound pressure level (SPL), increased bandwidth, while still capable of being packaged in the size constraints of an A-size sonobuoy( 4 7/8�?? x 12�??) when other necessary components of the sonobuoy such as surface electronics, subsurface electronics, subsurface batteries, suspension and cable pack are factored into the space budget. Benefits: The primary development of the Textured Ceramic Material Technology is targeted for underwater acoustic sensors applications for the US Navy. The acoustic transducer technologies advanced by this SBIR are far reaching within the US Navy sonobuoy programs. The US Navy sonobuoy programs represent one of the largest consumers of PZT ceramic material and their associated performance specifications are being pushed for increased capabilities while maintaining an A-sized package. A textured ceramic upgrade to active acoustic transducers/arrays positively impacts not only the acoustic array but also the power amplifier and battery system requirements and subsystem interfaces. The US Navy�?Ts need for lower frequency, higher powered underwater acoustic systems is greatly facilitated by the inclusion of textured ceramics in the design process. The PMN-PT textured ceramic material can be applied to all of the active sonobuoy programs. Current production sonobuoy programs that have been targeted for transducer upgrades include the AN/SSQ-113 (NUAMP), AN/SSQ-125A and the AN/SSQ-62. As a conservative estimate, the number of individual transducer elements that could be manufactured using a PMN-PT textured material totals more than 450,000 units annually. Return