Self-Aligning Windscreen for UGV Flow Noise Reduction

Flow noise currently limits the applicability of acoustic detection/tracking arrays on mobile platforms. Reduction of this noise is necessary for the acoustical detection of targets at tactically significant ranges, in conditions of high winds and/or highvehicle velocities. The most direct and effective way to reduce the effects of flow noise is to keep it from being generated in and around the microphone detection elements. SARA Inc. proposes a novel flow self-alignment microphone windscreen to minimizethe effects of aeroacoustic noise on array elements. This concept is based on SARA's proprietary windscreen designs, which have provided in excess of 15dB of noise reduction for analogous applications. SARA offers its aeroacoustic design expertise tominimize vehicle flow noise by small modifications to the vehicles aerodynamics. For second order flow noise reduction SARA offers one of two powerful signal-processing techniques capable of improving detection confidence in noisy conditions. Reduction offlow noise would greatly extend the range for acoustic detection benefiting the following applications: Un-manned ground vehicles (UGV), Un-manned air vehicles (UAV), manned ground and air vehicles, and unattended ground sensors.Advanced windscreens may also benefit professional film production and the monitoring of environmental noise.