Methods for Measuring an Acoustic Arrays Straightness and for Autonomous Mechanical Straightening to Avoid Contact with Sea Bottom Under All Operatio

In operational use of towed arrays, environmental factors conspire to degrade the acoustic performance of the array. Overall improvements in performance will be the result of a systems approach that addresses the entire degradation equation. Triton Systems proposes a simple effective straightening approach that will work at all speeds and will have minimal acoustic impact on the array. During Phase I, the team will develop the concept into a preliminary design and demonstrate feasibility to straighten the array and avoid the bottom using hydrodynamic modeling and simulation of the system under a variety of ocean environments and ship movements. Specifications for straightness measurement components will be developed and feasibility demonstrated.