ALMDS HOMELAND SECURITY

Multi-function Capabilities forGeosurveying, HLD/HLS andMaritime Defense Operations

Multi-function Capabilities forGeosurveying, HLD/HLS andMaritime Defense Operations

ALMDS_HSecurity Fact_Sheet.indd 1 10/13/2008 8:44:57 AM

ALMDS HOMELAND SECURITY

ALMDS (AN/AES-1)The U.S. Navy’s ALMDS Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) sensor has successfully demonstrated a myriad of multi-mission capabilities for expanded Fleet operations, in addition to direct applications for Coast Guard and Homeland Security assigned missions such as Surveillance, Search and Rescue, bottom mapping, and counter cam-oufl age.

ALMDS was developed by the U.S. Navy to detect and classify fl oating and near-surface moored mines. This capability has provided superior 3D imagery to detect div-ers and small boats, and map underwater surfaces. The wide area surveillance radar can identify objects in day or night conditions. ALMDS is currently being tested on MH-60S helicopters, but can be integrated on other rotary and fi xed-wing platforms. These development initiatives can provide both DOD and Non-DOD agencies with a multi-mission, low-risk system that reduces cost and response times … and is avail-able today.

Homeland DefenseTo support the Coast Guard Homeland Defense mission, ALMDS can fi nd, detect, and image fast boats, towed sleds, divers or other objects in the water. The system provides accurate, 3D bathymetry mapping and identifi es possible threats in port areas and waterways. This capability will greatly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to fi nd illegal aliens migrating by vessel, enhance drug interdiction activities, and support other aspects of maritime law enforcement.

Maritime SafetyBecause it can cover a large area quickly, ALMDS provides superior capabilities to fi nd swimmers, divers, and capsized boats. This rapid search capability can greatly acceler-ate search operations when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

Protection of Natural ResourcesRecent tests indicate that ALMDS can detect changes in water turbidity, which can be used to identify the extent of pollution across an area. For example, should there be an oil spill, ALMDS can identify the spill area and track its movement. It has also been used to track marine life.

System DescriptionThe ALMDS uses pulsed laser light and streak tube imaging receivers housed in an external equipment pod to image the surface-to-depth volume for people, boats, or other objects. ALMDS is capable of day or night operations with high search rates. The ALMDS design uses the forward motion of the aircraft in what is called a “push-broom” data collection process, thereby eliminating the need for complex scanning mechanisms and ensuring high system reliability. ALMDS also provides accurate local-ization to support synchronization of rescue or interdiction activities.

All ALMDS components are housed within a pod that weighs about 820 pounds and is approximately 107 inches long, with a 21-inch diameter. The pod is attached to the MH-60S helicopter with a standard Bomb Rack Unit (BRU-14).

Northrop Grumman investment includes development of an early prototype system (ALDS) and a lightweight composite, onboard workstation that is 20-20-10 crashwor-thy, certifi ed to display the imagery real-time, and automatic detection algorithms to assist in identifi cation and onboard operator cueing.

Program StatusALMDS entered the Production and Deployment acquisition phase for the U.S. Navy following a successful Milestone C decision on May 12, 2005 and is currently in Low Rate Initial Production, with the fi rst two LRIP units delivered to the US Navy. Pre-planned product improvements are scheduled to expand the system capability into the very shallow water region, and also to investigate sensor fusion and miniaturization.

Small or large objects are easily spotted using ALMDS as illustrated by this image of a porpoise. Divers and swim-mers can also be tracked and found. GPS coordinates al-low Coast Guard or law enforcement resources to pro-ceed directly to a search and rescue or interdiction area.

Rapid, wide-area reconnaissance and assessment capa-bilities allow identifi cation and tracking of vessel traffi c.

This photo and bathymetry of a waterway show how the ALMDS system can accurately map port depths and activ-ity in real time.

For additional information, please contact:Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dex Guzmán Maritime & Tactical Systems

Northrop Grumman Integrated SystemsOffice [321] 951-5396Mobile [321] 514-3137

Approved for Public Release; Distribution is unlimited. The system has not been tested for other missions, therefore specific performance parameters and limitations are unknown.ISER-MLB-PR-07-156

ALMDS_HSecurity Fact_Sheet.indd 2 10/13/2008 8:45:14 AM