Low cost acoustic transmitter

A variety of ASW-related applications require an underwater sonar active transducer to deliver a required acoustic performance in a compact size package at a low cost. State-of-the-art technology is limited when applied to future needs. An innovative approach to identify and develop a new low cost transduction mechanism is needed. This would represent a new class of underwater sonar transmitter that can be used for a range of future acoustic sources. To demonstrate performance of the new low cost transduction mechanism, a notional system of a sonobuoy sized package producing a 500 ping-second tone with an acoustic output in excess of 50 watts in the band of 500 to 1000 Hz will be used. The primary focus would be on the development of a new low cost transduction technology that can be manufactured at a cost at least 50% less than existing technology. The thrust of the Navmar effort in the Phase I of this effort will be to identify. analyze, and develop a design for a new, affordable transducer that can meet the ASW power, frequency, size, and depth requirements and to select the design for fabrication and testing in Phase II.