Common Low Cost Sonar Transmit Capability

Current cost reduction efforts on Virginia Class are aimed at dramatically reducing recurring expense associated with MF Active by deleting the sonar sphere which requires the function of units now housed there to move inboard. The increased functional density required in the inboard cabinets has caused the Navy to look for innovative approaches to replace the current transmit hardware. Volume and Weight must be decreased with minimal to no decrease in performance of the Virginia’s active sonar capabilities. In addition to maintaining existing capabilities, emerging requirements for Acoustic Communication require breakthroughs in hardware and signal processing. Breakthroughs in power amplification technology have occurred in the last few years which offer the potential to achieve the density requirement necessary while at the same time reducing costs. Even greater cost reductions are possible due to anticipated commonality with other platforms, including surface ships, Un-Manned Undersea Vehicles and other US submarine platforms. Progeny has developed an approach that evolves from past work on the SSGN High Frequency Active Transmitter but dramatically increase density.