Gambit MCM AUV: overview and system performance

The Marine and Acoustics Centre (MAC) at QinetiQ Bincleaves is currently pioneering MCM research and development in support of the UK MoD by undertaking a programme of work focussed on developing and demonstrating MCM surveillance and reconnaissance from an AUV. It is recognised that MCM operations impose key demands on vehicle and sensor performance levels, with recent analysis highlighting four main areas of essential capability, which form the main focus of the research programme. These areas are: the ability to correctly detect and classify targets; the ability to accurately determine the location of targets; the ability to cope with unexpected events, obstacles and environments, whilst still delivering the required mission level performance; the ability to communicate findings/provide suitable connectivity with other military assets. To meet these needs the following major technologies have been integrated onto the vehicle platform: Wideband high frequency Synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) offering near photographic imagery of the seabed at long ranges; Nonacoustic sensors in the form of a 9-axis magnetic gradiometer for buried mine detection; Advanced navigation combining high-grade INS and MCM sensor data to improve the accuracy and robustness of the overall navigation solution; On-board computer aided detection and classification algorithms to provide a high probability of detection and low false alarm rates; 3-dimensional forward looking sonar; High data rate acoustic communications optimised for operation in shallow water; Vehicle autonomy for sensor optimisation, collision avoidance, communications scheduling and run-time mission replanning; Network enabled capability for inclusion of the threat information into the wider battlespace picture. Forming part of a joint UK/US collaborative programme these sensors and processing techniques are currently being integrated in a phased approach onto the Gambit AUV, a vehicle based on the Bluefin Odyssey III platform. Supporting the procurement of a future UK MCM capability, the overall aim of the Gambit AUV is to demonstrate the completion of a high performance MCM reconnaissance mission. This paper will present an overview of vehicle, the key technology areas being addressed in the programme with examples of data gathered during sea trials.