ASW Ocean Data Buoy
The Sensor for Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a tactical mission support capability that provides on-station Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) mission updates based on current in-situ environmental data. The SEA program, sponsored by NAVAIR, is prototyping a new environmental data collection sonobuoy that utilizes in-buoy digital data processing and line-of-sight and satellite communications to provide mission critical data in real-time to ASW weapons systems. Planning Systems Incorporated (PSI) provides systems engineering, data processing, data communication, systems integration and Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) support for SEA which has included the development of a specialized Sonobuoy Information Processing system (SEASIP) and TDAs for optimized operational utilization of the SEA sonobuoy sensor system.
The SEA program is currently in the stages of spiral development research and development at Navair. Prototype systems have been tested successfully and are being refined for operational use. The project, recognized by Congress as an important program needing interim support, is funded by Congressional plus-up to fulfill the goal of providing next generation ASW sensor and interface capabilities to support the Naval warfighter.