METOC Data Acquisition

Abstract

The major thrust of the Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Data Acquisition Project is to provide future mission capabilities to warfighters that will allow them to detect and monitor the conditions of the physical environment throughout the entire battlespace. New sensor technologies (including unmanned vehicles, tactical sensor exploitation, in-situ sensors) identified as the most promising candidates are transitioned from the government's and commercial industry's technology base. These new sensor technologies are demonstrated, validated and integrated into operational programs for warfighters. These new sensor capabilities provide timely and accurate METOC data and products to operational and tactical commanders. METOC data requirements have likewise evolved as the emphasis on naval warfare has evolved from blue water operations to the littoral and deep strike battlespace. The littoral and deep strike regions are dynamic and complex, characterized by strong and variable oceanographic and atmospheric conditions. The need to accurately characterize these conditions is more crucial than ever in planning and executing amphibious warfare, mine warfare, special operations, anti-submarine warfare, and strike warfare operations. Routinely available data sources, such as climatology, oceanographic and meteorological numerical models, and satellite remote sensing are necessary but not sufficient to support these warfare areas in the littoral and deep strike regions. Operational sensors, such as the balloon-launched radiosonde, are deployed great distances from the target area of interest. The challenge is to collect and disseminate METOC data in variable and dynamic littoral environmental conditions or in denied, remote or inaccessible areas over extended periods of time. This project: 1) provides the means to rapidly and automatically acquire a broad array of METOC data using both off-board and on-board sensors; 2) provides an on-scene assessment capability for the tactical commander; 3) provides the tactical commander with real-time METOC data and products for operational use; 4) demonstrates and validate the use of tactical workstations and desktop computers for processing and display of METOC data and products; 5) demonstrates and validates techniques which employ data compression, connectivity and interface technologies to obtain, store, process, distribute and display these METOC data and products; 6) develops new charting and bathymetric survey techniques necessary to reduce the existing shortfall in coastal hydrographic survey requirements; 7) develops an expanded database for predictive METOC models in areas of interest; and 8) supports the development of radar weather using through-the-sensor techniques and development of ocean glider and Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (AUV), sensors, tracking and telemetry, and mission planning system as part of the littoral battlespace sensing, fusion and integration programs. Major emphasis areas include the Littoral Battlespace Sensors - Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (LBS-UUV) (comprised of ocean Gliders and Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (LBS-AUV)), the Navy Integrated Tactical Environmental System Next Generation, programs of record, and the Meteorological and Oceanographic Future Mission Capabilities, and the Tactical Oceanographic Capabilities / Under Sea Warfare projects. FY 2011 request provides for continued LBS-UUV (LBS-AUV) System Development and Demonstration phase activities, advanced component and prototype efforts associated with acquiring environmental data, and METOC data transport, storage, delivery, design and development efforts in a Net-centric environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
2341_0603207N_4_1319_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Space

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