The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is developing technologies for detecting SNMs in a maritime environment. In the past, high-clutter environments and low-resolution detectors have both limited the typical detection range. Development of higher resolution detectors and innovative sensors based on electronic micro- and electro-mechanical systems could extend the current detection ranges. Additionally, development of higher resolution detectors, innovative sensors, active interrogation systems and approaches for deployment will significantly extend remote standoff detection capabilities.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency are working to deliver higher performance systems for naval applications starting in 2011 with a near-term focus on underwater applications. The Naval Research Laboratory, naval warfare centers and others are developing new standoff detection capabilities. The Weapons of Mass Destruction Detection Program will further the design and development of specific longer range detectors that will be tested in large-scale shipboard experiments between 2015 and 2020.
The program consists of multiple technology challenges, all of which are necessary to achieve the long-range counter-WMD vision. Through research partnerships, ONR is formulating multi-mode sensing systems to allow future Navy ships to detect and classify the potential of threats at long ranges, reducing the need for boarding parties and stopping shipping for lengthy searches.
ONR is investigating various active and passive detectors for SNMs as possible sensors and for use in underwater unmanned vehicles. ONR is also studying variable geometry interrogators and airborne sensors to enable detection with little or no need to stop questionable vessels. These systems would require a smaller or minimal crew and maintenance examination from networked shore repair facilities.
The WMD program will deliver to the warfighter an enhanced ability to deliver more accurate sensing of WMD before a warfighter has to set foot on a suspect vessel. This will increase the surveillance capabilities by four to ten times over systems currently under consideration.