UKAN’s Special Interest Group in Underwater Acoustics Presents the Institute of Acoustics 50th Anniversary Special Webinar Series with Dr. Daniel D. Sternlicht.
Dr. Daniel Sternlicht Bio
Dr. Daniel Sternlicht is the Distinguished Scientist for Littoral Sensing Technologies at the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), where he serves as technical expert in sensing technologies relevant to the full spectrum of littoral warfare systems; provides subject matter expertise across the U.S. Naval Research and Development Establishment; and leads new developments in maritime reconnaissance and surveillance for Navy and Marine Corps missions. During a career that includes scientific research and program and line management, Dr. Sternlicht’s technical work has included synthetic aperture sonar development; through-the-sensor environmental characterization; multi-sensor fusion; buried mine detection and classification; munitions remediation; automated seabed change detection; as well as unmanned systems autonomy, situational awareness, navigation and communications.
Before entering Federal Civilian Service, Dr. Sternlicht received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Ocean Science from the University of California, San Diego/Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and spent ten years in industry managing sonar departments and programs. In 2018 he was promoted to the position of Senior Scientist & Technology Manager (SSTM). His collateral duties within the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) include Subsea and Seabed Warfare Mission Capabilities Manager and International Technical Programs Officer. Dr. Sternlicht was awarded the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Bronze Medal for Technical Achievement in 2013 and 2021 respectively, served as General Co-Chair for the 2022 IEEE/MTS OCEANS technology conference, and is currently co-authoring a book on design and analysis of Navy sensors.
Presentation Title
Mine Detection Sonar: Origins and State-of-the-Art
Abstract
The two major precepts of naval mine countermeasures are to “hunt” when possible, and to “sweep” when necessary. Through most of recent history, naval forces have been required to sweep for mines, i.e., cutting tethering cables, or influencing them to detonate by mimicking triggering signatures of the vessels being targeted. Hunting refers to locating and identifying mines, and typically destroying, disabling, or marking them for avoidance. That was unachievable at scale until the advent of mine detection sonar. This lecture describes the development arc of these systems over three generational periods, starting with shipboard installations mid-twentieth century, and evolving into current systems that are also towed, diver-held, unmanned, and even biological. It is a story of big personalities, tremendous innovation, acts of courage, and the fruits of international partnership. The emphasis is on U.S. systems; however, the influence of allied partner technologies is discussed to the extent possible for a brief review. This research is part of an academic course and textbook under development by the author on the design and analysis of naval sonar systems.
Posted on 14th November 2024 in Events
