AquaLink

Navy divers perform challenging tasks under challenging conditions, and having the right equipment can be a tremendous capability

multiplier. How might we improve the operational effectiveness of our

nation’s divers? AquaLink is an ecosystem of devices that provides added situational

awareness to divers and their supporting elements to aid mission success. TEAM

Dave Ahern: International Policy/Defense AcquisitionHong En Chew: Hardware EngineeringRachel Olney: Product DesignSamir Patel: Mechatronics/Finance

SPONSOR

Jordan Spector & U.S. Navy Special Warfare Group 3U.S. Special Operations CommandA

quaL

ink

This Week Previously Total

Users 8 29 37

Buyers 5 9 14

Experts 1 19 20

Interview Breakdown

RecapObserve

Explore Dual-Use Potential

3 atmospheres is “hella” lot

Orient

Commercial Applications

Scientific Research Applications

Decide

Cost-Benefit Analysis of MVP

Dual-Use Applicability

Act

Design MVPs

Testing Process

Mission Model Canvas

Who: SDV/SEAL DiversHow: Commodore of NSWG-3 approves if long-term/external funding is not needed, otherwise Commander of NSW needs to approve

KEY PARTNERS KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY RESOURCES

VALUE PROPOSITION BUY-IN / SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT

BENEFICIARIES

MISSION BUDGET MISSION ACHIEVEMENT FACTORS

- Problem sponsors: Navy Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM)

- Commercial partners: mil-spec dive equipment manufacturers

Military:1) Provide location to the SDV2) Provide comms between the SDV and C2 node3) Provide similar location + comms capability to dive pairsCommercial:Specific dual-use case TBD

- Defence procurement expertise: course staff, sponsors, DIUX, liaisons- User expertise: military divers, commercial/scientific divers, dive tour operators, recreational divers

- Hardware/software prototyping costs (RDT&E from SOCOM through NF)- Purchase of existing products on the market for evaluation (NSWG-3 or

NAVSOC N-8).

1. Feasibility: At the end of the quarter, SDVT-1/NSWG-3 decide that our proposal merits further development and initiates their internal processes for funding/pilot testing/field deployment i.e. creating the ODR

2. Performance: Our prototype should demonstrate that all critical features can be integrated within given size/weight/cost specs

3. User satisfaction: Seamless integration into current SOP, increased situational awareness

4. Increase Mission Capabilities: Reduce the time it would take for the diver to get a GPS fix 500% increase in efficiency.

FOLLOW THE PROCESS:● SDVT-1/NSWG-3/NSW

CDR create ODR● N8 drafts CDD● J4 will select office to lead

the charge● N8/Ops field test, third-

party labs certify● J8 creates official

requirements● N4 approves funding

End Users (Divers)

InfluencersSWG 3

Decision MakersNSWG-3NSW

Research Entities?

Commercial Divers?

Commercial Fishing?

Provide greater situational awareness for SDVT-1 with a mechanism for the SDV to obtain absolute location and comms while staying underwater and minimizing exposure.

Proposed device is a easily deployable/retrievable buoy with GPS for location and Iridium for satellite comms, satisfying the appropriate ruggedization and covertness requirements.

AquaLink Value Proposition SDVT-1 Diver

Value Proposition Canvas

Customer

Jobs

Products & Services

GainsGain Creators

PainsPain Relievers

A device that enables the SDV/dive pairs to:1. Obtain absolute location 2. Obtain comms link

Enhanced situational awareness of location of self and others on-demand with minimal exposure

Time spent lostDifficulty of finding objects or the SDV underwater in poor visibilityAvoidable incomplete missions due to lack of a convenient comms channel for C2 node to update SDV/divers and adapt plan of action on the fly

Complete assigned mission within time constraints

An easily accessible GPS fixAn easily accessible satcom network between dive pairs, SDV, and C2 node

A small form factor, easily deployable and retrievable buoy with GPS and iridium capability

MVP: Position Communication

Data Out: Position & IDData In: Positions & IDsVersion 1.0: SDV BuoyVersion 2.0: Diver Buoy

MVP: Initial Physical Builds

MVP: Initial Physical Builds

GPSIRIDIUM

LCD Screen

MVP: Initial Physical Builds

Mission AchievementVersion 1.0: GPS/Iridium Version 2.0: Motor Driven Version 3.0: Scalable

NSWG Operators:● Provide enhanced location to the

SDV

Scientific Divers:● Location-tracking for

Researchers, Mapping/Locations of Interest

Commercial Dive Tour Operators:● Marking dive sites of interest● Sharing locations geotagged

photos for marketing

NSWG Operators:● Enhanced operations● Time/distance features

NSWG Commanders:● Provide increased situational

awareness (know where the SDV is)

Commercial and Scientific Entities● Program time/distance

parameters to automate buoy deployment

● Distress/malfunction signals

NSWG Operators:● Provide similar location +

comms capability to dive pairs

NSWG Commanders:● Provide increased situational

awareness (know where the SDV and every dive pair is)

Commercial Dive Tour Operators:● Able to track all divers● Divers who get lost have an

means to communicate back to boat crew and dive master

Questions