Undersea Warfare Applied Research

The Undersea Warfare Applied Research (PE 0602747N) program is a Navy research and development initiative focused on advancing technologies and operational concepts for undersea warfare. Managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), this program element supports applied research efforts that aim to improve the Navy's capabilities in detecting, classifying, localizing, tracking, and neutralizing undersea threats, particularly adversary submarines operating in challenging environments such as noisy and cluttered shallow waters. The program is designed to maintain maritime superiority and national security by leveraging scientific and technological breakthroughs, with guidance from stakeholders across the Naval Research Enterprise, including combatant commands and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

A key component of this program focuses on the development of rapidly deployable, automated sensor systems for tactical searches of undersea targets. The objective is to extend the reach of existing platform-based systems through distributed, unmanned, and off-board sensing technologies, including advanced active and passive acoustic sensors, non-acoustic sensing, and machine learning-enabled signal processing. These efforts aim to enhance detection and classification capabilities in both shallow and deep water, providing improved protection for naval and maritime forces.

Another research area targets the development of technologies that utilize surveillance and search system data to precisely localize undersea threats. This includes research into advanced magnetic, electric field, and optical sensing modalities, as well as information-theoretic sensor processing. The goal is to decrease the area of uncertainty for target localization, enabling more effective use of smaller, versatile torpedoes and improving the Navy's ability to detect, target, and track adversary submarines covertly and efficiently.

Efforts also aim to improve wide-area detection, classification, and localization of undersea threats over extended periods. This research supports the development of covert, automated surveillance systems capable of operating in complex and contested environments. Key objectives include advancing artificial intelligence for sonar signal processing, exploiting ambient noise for tactical detection, improving sensor automation, and developing new propulsion technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These efforts are intended to provide persistent, clandestine indications and warnings against a range of submarine threats.

Research within this program seeks to understand and mitigate the effects of Navy-generated underwater sounds on marine mammals. Studies focus on characterizing marine mammal populations, quantifying the effects of sonar exposure, and developing monitoring and detection technologies. This research supports Navy environmental compliance, including the acquisition of Letters of Authorization from NOAA, and informs the development of mitigation measures to ensure that training and operational activities are conducted responsibly.

Research is also directed at developing next-generation offensive and defensive weapons for undersea engagements. This includes improving sensor performance, vehicle propulsion, warhead lethality, and engagement tactics. The program supports rapid-reaction weapons, high-speed vehicle technology, and new concepts such as coordinated networks of weapons and sensors. Some details of this work are classified, but the overarching goal is to increase the probability of successful engagement and survivability in undersea combat scenarios.

Congressional adds within PE 0602747N fund a variety of specific projects, including efforts in strategic soundscapes for ocean awareness, undersea autonomy research facilities capability, persistent maritime surveillance, undersea sensing and communications, distributed sensing for shipboard fire detection, mobile testbeds for UUVs, partnerships for submarine and undersea vehicle programs, and autonomous underwater vehicle development. These projects often involve partnerships with universities, industry, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and are intended to accelerate research in areas such as autonomy, sensing, communications, and vehicle technology to address emerging Navy requirements and technological opportunities.