Self-propelled array system
First Claim
1. A hydrophone array system comprising a first cable, a plurality of hydrophones connected to said first cable and spaced apart by predetermined distances thereby forming an array, a buoyant body, a transmitter within said body, a second cable extending from said body, and means including said cables for conducting signals from said hydrophones to said transmitter characterized in that said system includes a thruster connected to one end of said first cable for urging it in a preferred direction and a member connected to the other end of said first cable for resisting the urging of said thruster and in that said first cable includes a section adjacent to said thruster which section comprises a first resilient portion and a second, signal carrying portion, said second portion being longer than said first portion, said portions being fastened to each other at each of their ends so that said second portion remains in a slack condition.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A hydrophone array system comprising a plurality of hydrophones fastened to a cable is deployed beneath the sea in a substantially horizontal straight line. A small powered thruster fastened to one end of the cable urges it in a first direction and this urging is resisted by a member, such as a drogue or an anchored subsurface float, fastened to the other end of the cable. Individual signals from each of the hydrophones are conducted to the surface where they are processed and transmitted by a radio link to a nearby aircraft or surface vessel. Beam forming and analysis is performed aboard the aircraft or surface vessel.
38 Citations
28 Claims
- 1. A hydrophone array system comprising a first cable, a plurality of hydrophones connected to said first cable and spaced apart by predetermined distances thereby forming an array, a buoyant body, a transmitter within said body, a second cable extending from said body, and means including said cables for conducting signals from said hydrophones to said transmitter characterized in that said system includes a thruster connected to one end of said first cable for urging it in a preferred direction and a member connected to the other end of said first cable for resisting the urging of said thruster and in that said first cable includes a section adjacent to said thruster which section comprises a first resilient portion and a second, signal carrying portion, said second portion being longer than said first portion, said portions being fastened to each other at each of their ends so that said second portion remains in a slack condition.
Specification