Mine Target Reacquisition for Next Generation Mine Neutralization Systems (Sonar SLAM)

The US Navy is moving towards a Single Sortie Detect to Engage (SSDTE) paradigm to implement in-stride minehunting and mine prosecution. Integrating in-stride Mine Search and Mine Prosecution functions is a key requirement to achieve the SSDTE paradigm. Mine Target Reacquisition between the mine search operations and mine prosecution phases poses a particular challenge, as planned mine prosecution systems operate with lower cost, lower performance sensors as compared to the high fidelity mine search sensors, making mine target reacquisition difficult. Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms offer the potential to close this capability gap. Recent advances in Sonar SLAM algorithms have demonstrated both the ability to derive georeferenced sea-bed features from the sonar imagery and to improve navigation estimates relative to these sea-bed features. A multi-phase program is described to develop Sonar SLAM algorithms to close the mine target reacquisition capability gap, following a build-test-build-test design spiral methodology, leading to a Sonar SLAM laboratory demonstration. Technology insertion plans to emerging Navy Mine Search and Prosecution Systems are discussed.