Acoustic Vector Projector Technology

This SBIR Proposal addresses the need for reduced volume and weight and improved reliability of higher power broadband directional sonar transducer arrays for forward looking ASW and CTDCL systems. It is believed that the Vector Projector can fill this need with both design improvements and selection of the best materials. We describe here an alternative approach that provides a lower resonant frequency than in the current PZT design and, in the case of a Terfenold D drive, also optimizes the flux path for the omni mode without compromising the acoustic radiation. The approach also allows the formation of incrementally scanning using beams developed through a modal approach. These beams can exhibit a constant beam width over the band of interest, minimized radiation toward the host vessel and, most importantly, allowing significantly reduced power to attain the desired source level. This proposal reviews the current vector projectors and describes the new improved version along with a plan for a Phase I effort and a metric for assessing various designs.