N131-047 TITLE: Improved Detection, Localization, and Classification of Torpedoes

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO-IWS-5A Advanced Systems and Technology Office

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to improve acoustic detection, classification, or localization (DCL) and reduce false alarms for multiple classes of torpedoes using hull array acoustic sensors.

DESCRIPTION: The detection, classification and localization of torpedoes are of the highest importance to surface combatants. The Navy is seeking improvements in capability and performance to current torpedo defense systems; especially technologies that help improve detection and reduce false alarm rates resulting in a more reliable system for the fleet when only hull-array data is available. The current design automated detection, classification, and localization algorithms for torpedoes are class-specific and will not provide adequate probability of detection / false alarm rate performance against the full scope of enemy weapons (current and future.) Innovation is sought to further improve Navy capability to use the hull-mounted sonar to detect incoming torpedoes. The current Navy torpedo recognition system on surface combatants relies on automated torpedo detection, classification, and localization, (TDCL) algorithms using acoustic sensor data from hull and towed arrays. There are many scenarios in which the towed receiver is not available. During these periods the burden for TDCL is shifted to the hull array, which is uniquely capable of providing forward-sector coverage. This forward sector is critically important given threat tactics, as well as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) prosecution tactics. Technological risks associated with this effort are overcoming higher noise levels associated with hull mounted sensors, and mitigation of interfering active acoustic transmissions. References 1-3 provide a brief description of AN/SQQ-89 sensors and combat systems. References 4-6 provide examples of detection, classification, and localization tracking and classification algorithms.

The Navy seeks technologies for improved automated DCL of torpedoes or salvos (multiple, simultaneous launches) of torpedoes using the existing sensor suite, with emphasis on use of the hull array acoustic sensor. The desired result is improved detection performance against all classes of torpedoes with low false alarms. New approaches should exploit the full bandwidth of the hull array sensor, whether passive or active, and could include multi-sensor mutual information from other available sensor data [Ref 1]. In addition, innovative algorithms that reliably identify and localize salvos, groups of incoming torpedoes, are of interest. Automated discrimination of torpedoes from other acoustic sources is of critical importance. False alarms reduce the effectiveness on any system. Classification of torpedoes by type (or class) is not a requirement, but class-specific algorithms could improve false-alarm performance. Important performance metrics for torpedo defense algorithms include probability of detection, detection latency, false-alarm rate, and localization accuracy.

The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work. The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and the contractor will need to be prepared for personnel and facility certification for secure access.

PHASE I: The Company will develop concepts for Improved Detection, Localization, and Classification of Torpedoes that meet the requirements described above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Navy needs and will establish that the concepts can be feasibly developed into a useful product for the Navy. Feasibility will be established through analytical modeling, and developing and documenting the innovative algorithms and quantifying torpedo detection and localization performance with simulated or recorded sea data. The small business will provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones that will address technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, the small business will develop a prototype algorithm for evaluation as appropriate. The prototype algorithm will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Navy requirements for Improved Detection, Localization, and Classification of Torpedoes. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype algorithm evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles and testing with a large number of data sets, including test cases not used for development. The company will quantify detection and false alarm rate performance. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype and generate a design that will meet Navy requirements. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy use.

PHASE III: If Phase II is successful, the company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. The company will participate and assist the Navy in testing of the algorithms developed in Phase II in an operationally relevant environment. The company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the algorithms for Navy use. The company will integrate the software into the surface ship ASW combat system Advanced Capability Build (ACB) program.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Automated detection and classification algorithms have a wide range of potential for commercial surveillance and security systems. These systems use a mix of acoustic, video, radio-frequency, and infra-red sensors to detect, localize, and identify artifacts of interest.

REFERENCES:
1. "DDG-51 ARLEIGH BURKE-class". Federation of American Scientist. 12 April 2012. <http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/surfacewarfare/ddg51_arleighburke.html>

2. "Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer". Wikipedia. 11 April 2012. Wikipedia Foundation Inc. 12 April 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arleigh_Burke_class_destroyer>

3. "Aegis Combat System". Wikipedia. 23 March 2012. Wikipedia Foundation Inc. 12 April 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegis_combat_system>

4. DeFatta, David J.; et. al., "Digital Signal Processing: A system Design Approach," Wiley, NYC, NY 1988.

5. Shapo, B. and Kreucher, C. "Track-Before-Fuse Error Bounds for Tracking Passive Targets." Proceedings of the 2011 Information Fusion Conference (FUSION 2011). Chicago, IL, July 5-8, 2011.

6. Neyman, J.; Pearson, E.S. (1967) [1933]. "The Testing of Statistical Hypotheses in Relation to Probabilities A Priori." Joint Statistical Papers, Cambridge University Press, pp. 186�202.

KEYWORDS: Torpedo Defense; Torpedo Detection; Torpedo Classification; Torpedo Localization; Torpedo Recognition; Hull Arrays

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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