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Researchers and engineers from the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory have developed a preliminary design for an integrated system to detect and classify unexploded ordnance in shallow water. Their Multi-Sensor Towbody (MuST) is intended to survey depths from 20 – 120 feet deep (6 – 36 meters) by accurately controlling the height and location of sensors above the seabed while being towed by a support vessel. The system has a swath width of 18.8 meters when towed at 5 meters altitude.
Unlike highly-classified sensors used for mine countermeasures, the design uses sophisticated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components that can be operated by civilian contractors. The integrated MuST system consists of:
The MuST towbody supports two types of sonar as well as future sensors
SERDP-ESTCP researchers have investigated innovative acoustic, electromagnetic and magnetic sensors to detect, classify and locate underwater munitions at DoD sites in water depths of 0 – 120 feet deep. Each sensor modality has advantages and disadvantages due to its underlying physics. The MuST design shows how multiple sensors can be integrated into a commercially-viable system, while also being able to accept future sensors. Please contact the Munitions Response Program Manager if you have further questions about this research area.