Submersible Forward-Deployed Radar for Covert Threat Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Naval and maritime operations face challenges in maintaining tactical awareness using forward deployed radar systems while avoiding detection and minimizing risk to personnel, as conventional radar deployment increases vulnerability due to proximity to threats.
Innovation Solution
A submersible forward deployed sensor system with a radar array that can be fully submerged and selectively raised above the water surface for scanning, equipped with sonar, electromagnetic, and optical sensors, and featuring an articulated arm system for sensor deployment and a buoyancy control system to avoid detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If radar systems are forward deployed for threat detection, then tactical awareness is improved, but vulnerability to detection and harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into a fixed base station and a mobile forward deployed unit. The mobile unit can be positioned close to threats for detection while the main system remains protected at the base, separating the vulnerable sensing function from the protected command function.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile radar unit serves as an intermediary between the protected base station and distant threats. This intermediary can be strategically positioned to detect threats at range while maintaining communication with the base, allowing tactical awareness without exposing the main force.
2Measurement precision
If radar systems are positioned closer to threats for detection, then detection capability is improved, but risk to personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar detection function is extracted from the protected base and placed in a mobile unit that can operate independently at forward positions. This allows the detection capability to be separated from the personnel that would otherwise be exposed to danger.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile radar unit acts as a copy or extension of the base radar system, providing the same detection capabilities at forward positions without requiring the main base to expose itself to threats.
3Loss of information
If forward deployment is used for radar scanning, then tactical awareness is maintained, but passive ship posture cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system transitions from a static base installation to a dynamic mobile unit that can change positions and deployment states. This mobility allows the system to maintain tactical awareness through forward deployment while enabling the ship to maintain passive posture by keeping the radar unit separated and independently operable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables threat detection without exposing personnel to danger by allowing the system to submerge when threats are present and surface for scanning, providing tactical awareness while maintaining a passive posture.
Implementation Method 1
a submersible forward deployed sensor system with a radar array that can be fully submerged and selectively raised above the water surface for scanning, equipped with sonar, electromagnetic, and optical sensors, and featuring an articulated arm system for sensor deployment and a buoyancy control system to avoid detection
Implementation Method 2
a submersible forward deployed sensor system with a radar array that can be fully submerged and selectively raised above the water surface for scanning
Implementation Method 3
equipped with sonar, electromagnetic, and optical sensors, and featuring an articulated arm system for sensor deployment
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, the present disclosure relates to a forward deployed sensor system or, in a specific embodiment, a forward deployed radar (FDR) system. The forward deployed sensor system includes a radar system and may also include other types of sensors such as optical sensors, acoustic sensors including sonar, and electromagnetic sensors. Further, the forward deployed sensor system may also include a communication system such as a full spectrum receiver/transmitter, a ship to ship relay transponder, a satellite communication system, and global positioning system (GPS) capability. The forward deployed sensor system is able to detect objects in the air, on the sea, and underwater, and communicate such detection to a ship, submarine, aircraft, satellite, or other remote location. Such systems may be used to augment the protection of shipping lanes by military or security forces to allow for peaceful commerce and utility of the sea by all nations.