Fat Line Towed Array Straightening System

Submarines have a need for situational awareness at all times. They are equipped with Fat Line acoustic arrays such as the T-16 and the TB-34 in order to provide this awareness. However, at low tow speeds the array droops from front to back and also loses straightness. This spatial distortion reduces the array"s acoustic effectiveness. A solution is needed to keep these arrays straight and level at tow speeds between 1.5 and 3 knots. A potential solution is considered, dubbed the Speed Sensitive Pod for Drag Resistance (SSPDR). The SSPDR is a passive device that automatically deploys at low tow speeds to generate increased drag, straightening the array. However, it automatically retracts at higher speeds, reducing the total array drag to near-normal levels. This device would be installed toward the end of the Fat Line array in such a way that it does not adversely impact the STA array. The proposal discusses how the offeror will design the above device and accurately model the proposed design to verify specification compliance.