ADVANCED TOWED ARRAY HANDLING

Today\'s submarine towed array handling system operating parameters an methods are equivalent to those used in the late sixties. Attempts to utilize conventional cable handling methods are not suitable for array handling, and appropriate methods have not yet been defined. Outboard system volume, weight, system complexity, installation complexity, and cost far exceed acceptable standards for a handling system. Today\'s systems should be operating at double their present retrieval speed while at double ship\'s present deployment speed. To achieve both functional and operational advantage will require a new handling system concept rather than a larger machine. The proposed X-DRUM(TM) Capstan has the advantage of potentially meeting existing and next generation needs. Because of its bi-helical camming principle, bend radius is elliptically multiplied and size reduced proportionally as the square. It could provide an S-bend offset without guide tubes, which is a useful feature for submarine system installations. Its fixed drum simplicity and length to diameter aspect ratio also make this design best suited for outboard submarine installations. The intent of this feasibility study is to investigate high strength array messenger design and the possibility of dual stacked messenger operation. The advantage of dual messengers would be total encapsulation of the array, initial self threading of an array, and the capability to push the array for deployment. Our Phase I concept study will determine the probability of multiple stacked messengers and their maximum configural strength. These exploratory development concerns are primary because of submarine equipment location and reliability.