The use of magnetic field measurements for airborne detection of submerged submarines has a history that goes back to at least World War II. The technology makes use of the fact that a submarine is in effect a large magnet, and its magnetic field causes localized changes (“anomalies”) in the earth’s magnetic field, which can be detected by field measuring instruments – magnetometers.
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Laser Magnetometer for UAVs and Helicopters
Polatomic has developed a laser-pumped scalar magnetometer for use in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) applications by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). This system, known as the Multi-Mode Magnetic Detection System (3MDS), is planned for deployment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and ASW helicopters. The picture below illustrates the concept. The 3MDS is “multi-mode” in that it operates in Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) mode as well as conventional MAD mode. The laser magnetometer system designated the AN/ASQ-233 shown below is suited for new patrol aircraft such as the Navy MMA program and as a replacement for existing magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) systems in existing ASW aircraft.
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AN/ASQ-233A Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detecting Set
The
AN/ASQ-233A Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detection (DMAD) Set is an
advanced laser-pumped Helium magnetometer system designed to detect
sub-surface magnetic anomalies caused by submarines. The AN/ASQ-233A is
suitable for fixed wing or helo applications.
The DMAD system consists of two Weapon Replaceable Assemblies (WRAs), fourteen less than the 16 AN/ASQ-81 associated WRAs.:
Sensor
– Houses multi-axial Scalar and Gradient Magnetometers with Electronics
and Laser Subassemblies. The Sensor also provides data for compensation
of magnetic signals caused by aircraft maneuvers and environmental
sources.
Control/Display – Controls the DMAD Modes and
sub-functions. It receives raw and compensated Magnetometer data and
formats it for display, storage, and post-mission data extraction. This
unit processes, displays multiple band-pass signals, and analyzes their
characteristics to identify and declare anomaly detections.
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Features
- High Sensitivity Laser Pumped Helium Sensor
- Proven High Reliability
- No Mechanical Servos
- Integrated Vector Magnetometer
- Integrated Accelerometer
- Digital Aircraft Motion & Environmental Magnetic Compensation
- Automatic Detection With Range & Confidence Estimate
- Detection Tone to Operator
- Digital Single, Multi-Band, Multi-scale Display
- ELF Processing and Display
- Integrated Digital Data Recording, Playback, and Download
- Built-In-Test - Power-Up, Periodic, Continuous, & Operator Initiated
Magnetometer Variants
DMAD variants include compact form factors suitable for
installation into Helicopters, UAVs, UUVs for sea-buried mine detection, and space craft for Earth and planetary magnetic field studies (Cassini Saturn Mission), and underwater sensor arrays.
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Dimensions
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H
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W
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Depth
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Diam.
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Weight
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Sensor
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-
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-
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60"
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7.125"
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30lbs
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Control/Display
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11"
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5.75"
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8.5"
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-
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11.5lbs
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Interfaces
Sensor WRA: Ethernet 10/100
Control/Display WRA:
Ethernet 10/100 & 10/100/1000, USB, MIL-STD-1553
Input Power Requirements
Sensor: 28 VDC, 35 Watts Max.
Control/Display: 28 VDC, 100 Watts Max.
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AN/ASQ-233A
Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detecting Set
| Sample Anomaly Detection
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The AN/ASQ-233 Magnetic Airborne Detection System
The AN/ASQ-233 MAD system shown below is composed of three basic components.
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