Low Drag, Underwater Acoustic Source for Sea surface-based Mine Sweeping

The U.S. Navy desires the use of Unmanned Surface Vessels in littoral water regions for the mission of Mine Counter Measures. In particular, the use of the standard Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) for such a mission is desirable to decrease dependence on traditional, high operating cost assets, increase mission endurance and maneuverability and the removal of personnel from harm's way. However, these advantages can only be accomplished by providing a minesweeping approach that allows the RHIBs to adequately perform the required mission within its limited operational capability. The approach proposed is to use a low drag, towed acoustic transducer array that is easily deployable and recoverable and has the required source level and spectrum to detonate mines during the sweeping operation. The proposed approach will implement a proven electro-acoustic system approach using a multi-channel array of flexural disc transducers to cover the desired frequency band. Each channel will be independently driven by an appropriate signal generator, amplifier, matching network and power source. The array will be stabilized and depth controlled to accommodate various tow speeds up to 20 knots. The source level and generated signature could also be varied depending on the mission.