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ALMDS
HOMELAND SECURITY
Multi-function Capabilities for
Geosurveying, HLD/HLS and
Maritime Defense Operations
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 camouflage.
ALMDS was developed by the U.S. Navy to detect and classify floating and nearsurface moored mines.This capability has provided superior 3D imagery to detect divers 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 fixed-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 available today.
Homeland Defense
To support the Coast Guard Homeland Defense mission, ALMDS can find, detect,
and image fast boats, towed sleds, divers or other objects in the water. The system
provides accurate, 3D bathymetry mapping and identifies possible threats in port
areas and waterways. This capability will greatly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to
find illegal aliens migrating by vessel, enhance drug interdiction activities, and support
other aspects of maritime law enforcement.
This photo and bathymetry of a waterway show how the
ALMDS system can accurately map port depths and activity in real time.
Maritime Safety
Because it can cover a large area quickly, ALMDS provides superior capabilities to find
swimmers, divers, and capsized boats. This rapid search capability can greatly accelerate search operations when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Protection of Natural Resources
Recent 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 Description
Rapid, wide-area reconnaissance and assessment capabilities allow identification and tracking of vessel traffic.
The 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 “pushbroom” data collection process, thereby eliminating the need for complex scanning
mechanisms and ensuring high system reliability. ALMDS also provides accurate localization 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 crashworthy, certified to display the imagery real-time, and automatic detection algorithms to
assist in identification and onboard operator cueing.
Program Status
ALMDS 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 first two LRIP units delivered to the US Navy. Preplanned product improvements are scheduled to expand the system capability into the
very shallow water region, and also to investigate sensor fusion and miniaturization.
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
Small or large objects are easily spotted using ALMDS as
illustrated by this image of a porpoise. Divers and swimmers can also be tracked and found. GPS coordinates allow Coast Guard or law enforcement resources to proceed directly to a search and rescue or interdiction area.
For additional information, please contact:
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Dex Guzmán
Maritime & Tactical Systems
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems
Office [321] 951-5396
Mobile [321] 514-3137