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Ocean Acoustics

Precision Acoustics. Proven Autonomy 

Ocean Acoustical Services and Instrumentation Systems (OASIS), a subsidiary of ThayerMahan since 2020, is the scientific engine behind our advanced maritime sensing capabilities. Founded in 1990 by Phil Abbot and Chuck Gedney, and strengthened by Vince Premus joining in 2006, OASIS has spent decades as a pioneer at the forefront of ocean acoustics, physical oceanography, and at-sea technology demonstrations.

With a team of dedicated scientists and specialized support staff, OASIS delivers mission-critical, cutting-edge research and consulting services to the U.S. Department of Defense, commercial partners, and internal ThayerMahan programs. Their work underpins the world's most advanced unmanned acoustic sensing systems, ensuring our solutions are backed by uniquely rigorous science and proven performance. 
Contact the OASIS Team 

Where Innovation Meets the Ocean 
OASIS transforms complex ocean science into operational advantage. 
By bridging the gap between scientific innovation and real-world applications, OASIS enables ThayerMahan to deliver trusted, data-driven maritime solutions. Their years of applied research and hands-on expertise underpin every claim we make. They design, test, and evaluate our detection, autonomy, and performance capabilities. Our technology and the services we provide are backed by decades of validated research, field-tested technology, and deep domain knowledge. 
Key differentiators: 
  • Scientific Integrity: Over 25 years of continuous support to the Office of Naval Research (ONR), with over 2 dozen contracts  
  • Groundbreaking Research: Pioneers in real-time, autonomous, passive acoustic sensing from unmanned platforms. 
  • Operational Relevance: Proven ability to translate research into deployable systems like Outpost® and SeaPicket®, powered by patented OASIS DSP technology. 
 

From Deep Science to Real-World Solutions 
  1. Scientific Research & Consulting 
  • Ocean acoustics, structures and vibration, and physical oceanography 
  • Calibrated acoustic measurements and modeling (e.g., NSPE-based Transmission Loss modeling) 
  • Long-term support to ONR programs such as PLUS-INP, LUSTER, AUMA, ASP, and PROSPER 
  1. Technology Development & Demonstration 
  • Design and deployment of autonomous acoustic sensing systems
  • Integration of low-power, high-performance DSPs into unmanned platforms (e.g., Slocum G3, Mk18 UUVs)
  • Field demonstrations of reactive threat avoidance and distributed sensor processing 
  1. Advanced Signal Processing & AI/ML Integration 
  • Real-time beamforming, detection, classification, and probabilistic performance prediction 
  • Leadership in applying AI/ML to acoustic classification and sensor autonomy 
  1. Calibrated Source Operations 
  • Deployment of calibrated acoustic sources (e.g., USRD J-9, J-13, ITC HF Source) 

Explore Our Capabilities 

Industries We Serve 
  • Defense & National Security 
  • Oceanographic Research 
  • Offshore Energy & Infrastructure 
  • Environmental Monitoring 
  • Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace 
 

Our Clients 
NASA • Office of Naval Research • Raytheon • Lockheed Martin • MIT • Ford • Naval Air Systems Command • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution • Bosch • Kaman • Water Resources Authority of Massachusetts