Towed Array Control Module (TACM)

Progeny Systems teamed with Makai Ocean Engineering will develop a Towed Array Control Module (TACM) which controls the trailing end of short towed arrays using a small module that provides variable buoyancy, variable drag and control surfaces. With this approach depth and tension can be controlled, the trailing end can be prevented from dragging on the sea floor and TACM could yaw to provide control in the horizontal plane. TACM implements an innovative buoyancy engine design that is modular to provide as little or as much buoyancy required depending on the mission and size of the array. TACM is self powered and draws its energy from the water flow which simplifies integration in the operational system. TACM has no pressure vessels and utilizes an advanced composite structure and pressure tolerant electronics to make it as small and light as possible. Shape memory alloys are also included to provide quiet operation of the control surface actuator. A complete dynamic model of the system will be performed utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics to define the hydrodynamic derivatives and coefficients which are then used to solve the equations of motion in six degrees of freedom.