Facilities

Acoustics Processing Facility

Data acquired during at-sea exercises is processed in the Acoustics Processing Facility. It also supports theoretical modeling for sensor performance predictions and supports the simulation of acoustic receivers and processing systems. These activities support Navy R&D efforts for new active and passive acoustic systems. Capabilities include general-purpose computer software development using C, C++, and FORTRAN on Sun workstations, high-speed signal processing of digitally recorded data, and a multiprocessor communication network, providing connectivity among Sun, Macintosh, Pentium platforms, and shared peripheral devices. The facility and its resources provide the capability to develop and apply physical models and analysis tools required for concept definition, experiment design, signal prediction, and concept and data assessments.

Engineering Measurements Laboratory (EMP)

This facility houses tactical builds of the Acoustic Rapid commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Insertion (ARCI-I) system, part of the Engineering Measurements Programs (EMP), both acoustic and combat control. EMP establishes a disciplined collection and archival of data from operational deployments of ARCI, and an objective, timely analytic approach that provides essential and early feedback to the improvement process for sonar. The very-low-cost program EMP program exploits recording capabilities and efficiencies enabled by modern COTS-based system architectures. The program is unique in that it promotes and capitalizes on data collection capability embedded in the design of the system instead of relying on add-on equipment. The program’s proven capability for rapid response to U.S. Navy command level concerns provides needed information through focused event analyses.

Acoustic Processor System Engineering Laboratory (APSEL)

Processing and analysis, system engineering, algorithm development, and acoustic modeling of acoustic and supporting data from multiple sonar systems and sensor systems are performed in APSEL. The facility supports a baseline algorithm test bed for both active and passive sonar processing. The test bed provides extensive tools for algorithm development and system testing; it also contains several complete processing systems. Interfaces support multiple data sources including recordings from towed arrays, sonobuoys, fixed arrays, and hull-mounted sonars. APSEL is also used for the development of desktop trainers to support airborne antisubmarine warfare systems.

Array Fabrication and Test Facility (AFTF)

The AFTF provides the capability for modifying existing and fabricating new SURTASS (Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System) acoustic array instrumentation, including both mechanical and electronic fabrication and testing. This facility can be used for modification or fabrication of mechanical array elements and electronic instrumentation, including various types of array sensors. Pressure and temperature testing of both mechanical and electronic units for water integrity is also available. The facility is equipped with an array test stand that can test full-length modules (170 feet) in water. Module tension testing can also be performed to a 15,000-pound maximum. The AFTF is also equipped with a 10-inch-dia. by 200-foot-long vacuum chamber for module housing.

IUSS Processing & Analysis Laboratory (IPAL)

The IPAL supports the Maritime Surveillance Systems programs, focusing on algorithm evaluation, surveillance system evaluation, and surveillance data analysis. The IPAL efforts provide the U.S. Navy with a means to assess the “value-added” during the development of the next-generation sonar system for the surveillance community. IPAL also supports sponsors in the operational evaluation of submarine sonar systems. The facility processes data from sea tests and Fleet exercises that involve basic ocean acoustic research and target detectability/vulnerability studies. Concurrent with providing technological advances in sonar processing, the IPAL provides material to support specific training initiatives at various levels of acoustic analysis.

Surface Ship Systems Laboratory (SSSL)

The SSSL is the primary facility utilized for algorithm development, algorithm testing, Surface Sonar Engineering Measurements Program (SSEMP) system testing, data fusion, and data characterization for the surface ship undersea warfare systems. The laboratory houses systems that are used in at-sea testing, in addition to tactical builds that reside at APL for R&D purposes. Tactical Research Evaluation Center

Autonomy/Unclassified Software Development Lab

The Autonomy/Unclassified Software Development Laboratory is the focal point for support of the lab-wide research thrust in autonomy research and applications. It serves as the development and test center for new research in robotic multi-vehicle control (MVC), service-based architecture (SBA) wireless autonomous sensors networks, vehicle/system self-maintenance AI (OAK), tactical and minefield path planning (COMID), swarming behavioral algorithms and related simulations (COIN-F). When not in the field, our iRobot research vehicle is housed and maintained there. This facility also serves as host to the development efforts on the JLIB software code base resources.

Engineering and Sea Test/Ocean Instrumentation Facilities

The Engineering & Test Group is responsible for most of the field test activities of the USW business area and utilizes a wide variety of facilities that support these activities, spread throughout APL. A High Bay Facility is equipped to handle the largest components of systems required for field test preparation. Within this facility are a System Integration and Test Lab, Computer Systems Lab, Navigation/Communication Lab, Sensor Systems Integration Lab, Sensor Calibration Facility, Encapsulation Lab and several other areas. A Test Planning and Track Reconstruction Facility; autonomous sensor fabrication and testing; towed-array fabrication, assembly, and testing facility, Electronic Assembly Lab, and the Total Ship Monitoring Lab are also available.

Operations Assessment Laboratory

The Operations Assessment Laboratory is a facility to support the assimilation and analysis of SSBN operational data for the Submarine Security Program. Information related to SSBN operations, such as Deck Logs, navigational data, communications transmissions and other potentially observable events are analyzed for patterns and predictability that might compromise submarine security. The facility also supports sea test design and reconstruction for submarine tactics development.

ASDS Trainer Development Lab

The ASDS Trainer Development program maintains a mock-up and systems development facility supporting the ASDS cockpit replica and training consoles. This facility also provides a demonstration and briefing theater for use to providing training presentations to ASDS personnel and operators.

Ocean Instrument Calibration Laboratory (OICL)

The OICL provides a unique national capability for calibrating ocean instrumentation, specifically conductivity and temperature sensors.  These sensors are used for measurements of ocean temperature, salinity and density, which are needed for studies of internal waves and turbulent mixing, primarily on ocean-towed chains, and submarine mounted sensors.  For such ocean applications highly accurate, absolute and relative calibrations of temperature, conductivity, the dynamic response of temperature sensors, and pressure testing are required.  To meet these demands the OICL utilizes primary physical and secondary standards, traceable to the NIST standards.  The OICL has been in existence since mid 1970s and has been in continuous use primarily for Navy and government projects.  

Hydrodynamics Research Laboratory

The JHU/APL Hydrodynamics Research Laboratory is dedicated to simulation of oceanographic processes related to Naval applications, particularly submarine wake signatures and related surface phenomena.  The primary focus of the research in the laboratory has been on stratified flow phenomena, including for example, studies of internal waves, turbulent wakes, and double-diffusive processes.  In addition, studies have also been performed on a variety of flow processes, including for example, surface bubble wakes and turbulent mixing processes that model flows in estuarine environments.