Seafloor Sensing Group

The Seafloor Sensing Group is developing sensor technologies, signal processing algorithms, data inversion techniques, and data fusion methodologies for characterization of the seafloor as required by Naval tactical decision aids. A primary focus of the team is the exploitation of fleet tactical sonars for seafloor characterization (a through the sensors approach). Vertically integrated efforts span the gamut from basic research in acoustic interaction with seafloor sediments through demonstrations of mature technologies with near-term transitions to the Naval Oceanographic Office and fleet system. Current efforts include the demonstration of acoustic seafloor sediment classification, seafloor imaging, and seafloor bathymetry with sonars currently installed on fleet mine countermeasure ships, on nuclear attack submarines, and on helicopter-towed mine hunting sonars. The Seafloor Sensing Team crosses branch administrative boundaries and include elements of NRL Code 7440.4.

Through the Sensors Implementation of Acoustic Sediment
Classification and Multibeam Bathymetry

The through the sensors concept addresses the deficiencies in environmental data in forward areas by using fleet tactical sensors to collect environmental information. NRL is currently involved in demonstrating the acoustic sediment classification system (ASCS) on three fleet platforms. An MCM ship (USS CHAMPION) currently has a system installed on its UQN-4 fathometer. In May an ASCS modification of the BQN-17 fathometer aboard an SSN 688 submarine will be demonstrated. In addition, processing of nadir beam data from the volume search sonar of the AQS-20 for sediment classification will be demonstrated in March. The AQS-20 is an organic MCM asset towed from a helicopter or the Remote Mine System (RMS) Semi-submersible unmanned vehicle.