Compact UUV Borne LiDAR System

The objective of the SOC26BZ01-DV001 program is to develop a compact, low-cost Laser interferometric Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) to facilitate rapid clearance of undersea terrain, particularly in ports, harbors, and confined waters. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR. Phase I requires a feasibility study to assess viable system designs, safety, maintenance, and integration methods for man-portable UUV systems. Phase II focuses on developing a prototype of a 360-degree scanning LiDAR system (ideally 5” max OD) that can integrate sonar data, is self-contained, and modular for UUV frames. Emphasis is placed on fused solutions incorporating additional sensing like side-scan sonar. The deliverable for Phase II is two end-user prototype systems. Phase III highlights dual-use applications for this system in military undersea survey, environmental monitoring, salvage, and the oil and natural gas industries. The project aims for systems functional from the surf zone to 200m depths.