The project aims to execute a wide area acoustic survey across 2–3 km² within Vieques, Puerto Rico (depths >10m) to detect, classify, and localize unexploded ordnance targets, process survey data in real-time to identify proud and buried objects of interest, and deliver final geolocation data with prioritized target classification to maximize resource efficiency.

The technology transfer objective is to continue to transition operation of the multi-sensor towbody system (MuST) to third-party users as a test of the ability of such companies to operate MuST on a day-to-day basis.

The baseline MuST system comprises of:

• FOCUS-3 towbody manufactured by MacArtney Underwater Technology
• Three sonar systems mounted on the FOCUS-3
  • Low-frequency, high-grazing angle, high-bandwidth acoustics system (EdgeTech Buried Object Scanning System — eBOSS)
  • High-frequency, mid-to-low-grazing angle side scan sonar (EdgeTech 2205)
  • High-frequency Multibeam sonar (RESON T50)
• Shipboard handling system for the FOCUS-3
• Shipboard data acquisition as well as analysis hardware and software

Broadband sonars operating in the kHz to 10s of kHz regime have shown promise in detecting/classifying buried (and proud) mine-like objects at performance levels and area coverage rates superior to those of other modalities. Previous SERDP and ESTCP research efforts indicate that the same is true for munitions. Results from this work will accelerate and make more efficient the Vieques Navy clean-up program and similar programs through improved detection and classification capabilities, while providing expanded capability to cost-effectively characterize, remediate, and manage munitions response sites in the underwater environment. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)

Williams, K. and T. Marston. 2022. Multi-Sensor Towbody (MuST): an expandable platform for detection, classification, and geolocation of UneXploded Ordnance. OCEANS 2022 Hampton Roads, 1–4. doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS47191.2022.9977123.