ARMADA Marine Robotics has won an SBIR Phase I contract with the Navy to develop an external payload deployment system (EPADS) for cylindrical unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These payloads may be sensors, markers, or communications relays. The system will not interfere with the operation of the UUV and will respond to UUV commands to detach and activate. Accuracy of payload on target is the most important priority for this program. ARMADA will design and test an initial EPADS prototype capable of carrying two 5kg payloads that can be deployed separately and accurately on a target on the ocean floor. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a partner under this contract.