Self-Alingning 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 to mature its novel flow self-alignment microphone windscreento minimize the effects of aeroacoustic noise on array elements. This concept is based on SARA's proprietary windscreen design, which have provided in excess of 15dB of noise reduction for analogous applications. SARA also intends to apply its aeroacousticdesign expertise to minimize vehicle flow noise by small modifications to the vehicle's aerodynamics. The device that demonstrated 10 to 25 dB improvement in the laboratory during Phase I will be demonstrated on moving ground vehicles in Phase II.Reductionof flow noise would greatly extend the range for acoustic detection. The 10 to 25 dB improvement observed in Phase I testing would yield detection by a factor of 3 to 10 if realized in Phase II. This capability will readily benefit the followingapplications: Un-manned ground vehicles (UGV), Un-manned air vehicles (UAV), and unattended ground sensors. Advanced windscreens may also benefit professional film production and the monitoring of environmental noise.