Development of a non-acoustic sensor platform (NASP)

Author

Morrison, John ; Cowling, Don ; Takel, Steve

Author_Institution

Maritime Minewarfare Weapons & Countermeas. Dept., Defence Eval. & Res. Agency, Weymouth, UK

Volume

3

fYear

1998

fDate

28 Sep-1 Oct 1998

Firstpage

1224

Abstract

DERA are currently addressing the potential use of non-acoustic sensors for mine detection. Initial work has primarily concentrated on the development of a low cost 3-axis magnetic gradiometer, an electro-optic system and an olfactory sensor. In addition, a Non-Acoustic Sensor Platform (NASP) has been developed which enabled sensors to be tested against mine like targets in Portland Harbour during the summer of 1997. NASP is a modular Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) with an exceptionally low magnetic signature. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and rapid prototyping techniques were employed throughout the development of NASP to reduce costs and timescales. This paper discusses general aspects of NASP vehicle design and implementation. Results from initial sensor sea trials are also provided together with an overview of future work

Keywords

chemical sensors; fluxgate magnetometers; image sensors; magnetic sensors; military systems; naval engineering; navigation; object detection; optical sensors; remotely operated vehicles; sensor fusion; sonar detection; underwater vehicles; NASP vehicle design; autonomous underwater vehicles; ballast system; closed loop tuning; commercial off-the-shelf; control strategy; data acquisition; data fusion; depth control; electro-optic system; guidance; initial sensor sea trials; laser sensor; low cost 3-axis magnetic gradiometer; low magnetic signature; mine detection; modular remotely operated vehicle; navigation; nonacoustic sensor platform; olfactory sensor; on-board payload; open loop tuning; rapid prototyping; underwater vehicle effectiveness; vehicle implementation; Acoustic sensors; Chemical sensors; Costs; Electrooptic devices; Explosives; Magnetic sensors; Olfactory; Sensor systems; Testing; Underwater vehicles;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

OCEANS '98 Conference Proceedings

Conference_Location

Nice

Print_ISBN

0-7803-5045-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/OCEANS.1998.726263

Filename

726263