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1. PROPOSAL Klein Associates proposes to supply a Model 5500 Multibeam Side Scan Sonar system for installation on a customer specified Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. As configured for this AVU installation, the Model 5500 would have the following characteristics: • The Model 5500 will provide five simultaneous beams per ping (per side). 2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The proposed sonar system would be a standard derivative of a Klein Model 5500 (5-beam) multibeam side scan sonar system, disassembled into modules for installation onto the AUV. The sonar system would be maintained as close to standard as the AUV configuration requirements permit, to minimize technical risk and logistics issues. The modules would be supplied as described in the following paragraphs: 2.1 Transducers (two): The transducers provided would be standard Model 5500 transducers. A configuration is recommended: These transducers would be provided on a keel mounting strongback with a transducer on each side of the strongback. Transducers would remain in the standard configuration with a nominal length of 137 cm (54 inches). 2.2 Transmit/Receive Electronics: The transmit/receive electronics would be provided in the standard configuration chassis, mounted in a pressure bottle. This pressure bottle would be fabricated of aluminum (hard-coat anodized) and would remain at standard dimensions with a nominal length of 99.7 cm (39.25 inches), less connectors by 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) diameter. . 2.3 Processing Electronics: The processing electronics (modified TPU with additional power supply unit) would be installed in a Klein provided aluminum pressure bottle (also hard-coat anodized). All electronic components would be mounted within a 27.3 cm (10.75-inch) outside diameter pressure bottle. The pressure bottle would be approximately 43 cm (17 inches) in length less connectors, depending on final system components. 2.4 Control Interface: The AUV controller would interface to the Processing Electronics for control of the sonar and transfer of operational data, including navigation position, time, and speed, via a 9600 baud RS-232 data link. This information is required from the vehicle in a NMEA-like message format. 2.5 Data Storage: Data from the sonar and annotation data provided by the AUV controller would be recorded on one 50 Gbyte hard drives, providing ample storage capacity for the proposed mission profile. No interface to the AUV is required for direct data transfer or storage. 2.6 Deck Down-load: A separate Industrial PC and 24/48 VDC power supply would be provided, along with an 18 m (60 ft) deck umbilical, for downloading the sonar data over a 100 Base Tx Ethernet link, while the vehicle is on deck. Longer lengths of umbilical are available as required. Data can be viewed as downloaded from the AUV, or can be saved on the PC workstation for post processing. 2.7 Software: Software will be provided for operation of the sonar system including; control of the sonar, acquisition of the data, downloading of the data, viewing of the data, and manipulation of the data. 2.8 Input Power Requirements: The sonar system can accept in either the 24 VDC or the 48 VDC input power ranges. All internal power requirements will be provided for in the sonar system design. 3. SONAR SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS 3.1 Model 5500 The Model 5500 produces five 20-cm (along-track) beams on each ping with a maximum top speed of 10 knots, while maintaining 100 percent bottom coverage (with the range scale set to 150 m). At speeds of less than the maximum speed (or range scales less than 150m), the sonar produces and stores multiple independent “looks” at a single point, permitting the use of customer supplied post-processing techniques for increasing the Probability of Detection. The resolution cell in the standard resolution mode is constant at 20-cm along-track by 7.5-cm across-track from near-transducer face to 75 meters range, then spreads (in azimuth) at a beam angle of 0.14 degrees to the maximum range of 150 meters. The resolution cell in the high-resolution mode is 10-cm along-track by 7.5 cm across-track from near transducer face to 37 meters (approximate), then spreads (in azimuth) at a beam angle of 0.14 degrees to the maximum range of 150 meters. At speeds less than the maximum design speed, the sonar system overlaps beams and displays only integral, non-overlapped beams. Regardless of the number of beams displayed, all beams are stored on the hard drive for future processing as desired. The Model 5500 will utilize the sonar on-board CPU to perform all sonar functions, including interfacing with the AUV controller, control of the sonar, acquisition of data, storage of data, and downloading of data while on deck. Power consumption of the sonar system will be 150 watts (nominal). 4. ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT Klein Associates will provide full engineering support for integration of the Series 5000 sonar. This support will consist of engineering reviews and support, through oral and written communications from Klein Associates Salem, NH USA facility, as well as one five day on-site visit to the customer’s facility for final integration and initial startup. To provide adequate support, it will be necessary for Klein engineers to obtain for review the AUV mechanical layout with intended installation locations, AUV wiring diagrams, and specifications on other installed acoustic equipment for review of interference potential and determination of suitability prior to commencement of AUV fabrication. In addition, training on operation and maintenance of the sonar system will be provided at Klein Associates Salem, NH facility at no cost to the customer. However, the expenses related to salary, travel, and living expenses for customer personnel will be the responsibility of the customer. 5. COMPLIANCE STATEMENT A discussion of Klein Associates’ compliance with the requirements of naval applications is provided in Appendix B. Contact Klein. 6. DELIVERY Delivery of the sonar systems in final configuration to the customer’s facility will be accomplished no later than 16 weeks or sooner, depending on requirements, after receipt of order. Engineering cooperation between the customer and Klein for integration of the sonar system into the vehicle design will begin immediately and will continue until acceptance of the sonar system by the customer. APPENDIX A KLEIN ASSOCIATES, INC. NAVAL APPLICATION COMPLIANCE 1. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Klein Associates is familiar with the operational aspects of the detection and positioning of sea mines, having supplied lightweight mine hunting sonar equipment to many Navies worldwide. The proposed sonar system has been designed to provide a small, lightweight, high frequency sonar system for the detection of small underwater targets. The sonar system can be installed and operated from AUVs minimal impact on the vehicle characteristics or performance. The Sonar System provides the capability to detect small targets using high frequency acoustic techniques at detection speeds ranging from 1 knot to 10 knots, depending on sonar system type with the Probability of Detection being a function of target size, speed, and bottom type. Klein, through extensive experience with other Navies Worldwide, understands Naval logistic and maintenance requirements and can provide support to meet a specific operational or infrastructure situation. 2. FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TRIAL (FAT) All Klein sonar equipment receives a Factory Acceptance Trial (FAT) at Klein Associates, Inc.'s, Salem, New Hampshire, USA, facility prior to shipment. The factory acceptance trial includes functional testing of each system component and functional testing of the total system. These Factory Acceptance Trials are intended to establish that the equipment supplied by Klein Associates functions to Klein Associates' standards. A functional FAT checklist will be utilized for the execution of the FAT and will be provided to a representative of the buyer for acceptance of the equipment. A copy of all FAT procedures will be provided to the buyer a minimum of 15 days prior to execution of the FAT. A FAT report shall be signed by Klein Associates at the completion of the trial. 3. QUALITY ASSURANCE Klein Associates maintains a Quality Assurance program applicable to all equipment manufactured by Klein to ensure functionality of the sonar equipment to performance specifications. This quality program follows the philosophy of U.S. MIL-Q-45208, but is conducted on a Best Commercial Quality basis and produces equipment which has a demonstrated performance record in the offshore operating environment, both commercial and military. 4. MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS The Sonar System components are constructed of very low magnetic signature, type 316 stainless steel (surgical steel) for ruggedness and operations in a magnetically sensitive environment. A Klein towfish of similar construction was tested for magnetic signature by the U.S. Navy and it was determined that the towfish met magnetic signature requirements for operations in the vicinity of underwater ordnance with magnetic exploders.
5. VIBRATION AND SHOCK The proposed system has been designed and manufactured to Best Commercial standards and practices for operation in an offshore environment. The equipment has experienced vibration and shock levels normally experienced in offshore naval operations and has not exhibited performance degradation or damage. Such operational installations have included both large and small vessels and have provided a vibration environment similar to that specified by MIL-STD-167 (Environmental Vibration). The equipment has not specifically been tested to MIL-STD-167. 6. HUMIDITY The proposed Sonar System has been designed to operate in an ocean environment with humidity ranging from 10 to 90 percent, non- condensing without internal heaters or other devices. 7. MAINTENANCE PLAN The equipment has been designed to permit troubleshooting on a lowest replaceable unit (LRU) replacement basis, so that field operators can isolate problems and return the sonar to service by replacement of a faulty circuit board or other sub-assembly, such as a power supply. In both the topside unit and the towfish, key electronic sub-assemblies, are fitted with plug-in sockets for ease in isolation of any malfunction and simplicity in field maintenance by inexperienced personnel, should maintenance be required. Materials or components are utilized in the sonar system design, where appropriate or necessary, to insure longevity and ease in field maintenance. There are no special tools or jigs required for maintenance or repair of the sonar system. 8. MAINTENANCE SUPPORT In-country field maintenance programs, including training and spares, can be provided by Klein to assist the customer in establishing a field maintenance program. Depot level maintenance support would be provided through establishment of a factory sponsored in-country depot maintenance facility. Alternately, Klein can assist the customer in setting up a Naval Depot Level maintenance facility, as desired. 9. TRAINING PROGRAM Klein Associates can provide training for senior level personnel in the operation and maintenance of equipment at Klein Associates' Salem, New Hampshire, USA, facility. This training is a higher-level training and is intended for senior personnel to enable them to train operating personnel. The training will be 5 days in duration and will cover side scan sonar operation, field maintenance, and repair. The training will consist of 4 days in the classroom and one-day at sea. Alternately, Klein Associates can provide in-country training for either senior personnel, operating personnel or both and can assist the Navy in the establishment of a training program, as desired. 10. SPARES POLICY It is Klein Associates' goal to provide spare parts support for a period of ten (10) years, however, due to the commercial nature of the System hardware, some electronic components may be made obsolete by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In such an event, the continued supply of spare parts will be beyond the control of Klein Associates. To address the issue of forced component obsolescence, Klein Associates has a policy of creating new designs, which are downward retrofittable, where possible, to older sonar systems, so that a continuing source of spare parts will be available for older sonar equipment. This policy has been effective in the past with Klein being able to provide support for equipment that has been in service for over 15 years. Spare parts for system support, regardless of the design, will be freely available at market pricing levels current at time of purchase.
11. DOCUMENTATION Best commercial quality technical manuals written in English will be supplied with the various components of the proposed system. The manuals have been prepared following guidelines established in U.S.MIL-M-7298, Military Specification, MANUALS, COMMERCIAL OFF- THE-SHELF (COTS). These manuals will be sufficient for the operation, maintenance and field repair of the proposed system components to the LRU (lowest repairable unit).
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