Sensors facilities in FL
3 facilities
Acoustic Sensors
Panama City, FL
Experimental Acoustics - Our scientists and engineers have extensive experience in conducting both laboratory and at-sea measurements, and in analyzing and interpreting the acquired data. Several facilities are available for conducting controlled freshwater experiments: the Acoustic Test Pool (nonmagnetic), the Acoustic Test Facility, and the Physical Acoustics and Special Projects Laboratories. Experiments can be done on scale models to full-scale vehicles. Controlled sea measurements utilize a 6-foot high stationary sonar tower. It is deployable by divers in any water depth less than 20 feet, has vertical tilt and horizontal pan motors, and can accommodate several sonars or other pieces of equipment at one time. This tower has been used in the past to measure various acoustic parameters of targets, water, and sediments, and for assessing competing sonars. Our personnel can plan and carry out the entire test, from preliminary environmental impact statements and safety plans, to the scheduling of craft, divers, and riggers, in addition to complete post-test analyses.
Magnetic Sensors
Panama City, FL
Applications - NSWC Panama City has demonstrated the capability to deploy magnetic sensors towed behind aircraft and surface platforms. One of our first applications was to clear ordnance from the Suez Canal. Under the Magnetic and Acoustic Detection of Mines (MADOM) Advanced Technology Demonstration, NSWC Panama City successfully deployed a superconducting gradiometer to detect totally buried ferrous mines and demonstrated the effectiveness of acoustic and magnetic sensor fusion. Subsequently the gradiometer utilized in MADOM was the premiere sensor in an unscripted survey to locate unexploded ordnance in the Technology Demonstration of the Mobile Underwater Debris Survey System (MUDSS). We have used magnetic sensors for efforts as diverse as the characterization of weapon and platform magnetic signatures, environmental remediation, special warfare, and numerous applications for state and federal agencies such as forensics work and drug interdiction. In addition to these efforts to detect, locate, and characterize magnetic targets, we have developed approaches for underwater electromagnetic communication and vehicle navigation. Recent developments have been pursued to deploy magnetic sensors onboard unmanned underwater swimming and crawling vehicles and to demonstrate capabilities in high-speed operations.
Very Shallow Water Sensor Testbed
Panama City, FL
The testbed is an autonomous, cylindrically shaped, battety powered vehicle with a diameter of 19 inches. The testbed can operate in a fully autonomous mode or can receive remote control commands via RF or fiber optic links. It has an extended range at a speed of 5 knots. It can accommodate a payload of up to 400 pounds and 7 cubic feet. The testbed is launched and recovered using surface support craft. Operating speeds are 5 - 10 knots.