AUV Sensors for Real-Time Detection, Localization, Characterization, and Monitoring of Underwater Munitions

This technical paper describes existing capabilities and new research results for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for use in locating, characterizing, and monitoring underwater munitions. The authors introduce advances in sensor technologies and search methods pertinent to AUV-based underwater munition mitigation operations. Results are presented from a series of trials using in situ chemical sensors to detect both conventional and nonconventional underwater munitions in real time. These technologies are considered within the context of chemical plume tracing and biomimetic search algorithms. This paper concludes with a look toward future AUV sensor payloads with more extensive real-time situation awareness. Advancement of these technologies and methods will be critical for realizing the potential of AUV platforms to manage the risks posed by underwater munitions sites.