Multi-Line Towed Array Sensor Location System

A critical factor in the development of multi-line, passive, towed acoustic arrays is measuring the relative location of each acoustic sensor element in the array. Require- ments for measurement accuracies are expected to be the order of 2 to 4 cm to optimize beamforming. TSC proposes the development and laboratory testing of such a sensor location system (SLS). SLS generates a time-varying magnetic field in each line array and then measures the induced voltage with a set of small solenoid coils in an adjacent line array. Radial distance from the transmitting line array to each coil, and thus to each acoustic sensor, can then be calculated. Issues critical to concept feasibility include SLS size and form factor, array buoyancy, compatibility with existing array telemetry, magnetic field generator design, developing sensor location algorithms based on available measurements as well as accuracy of these measurements . , and interception of the SLS signal by hostile sensors. In Phase I each of these issues will be addressed, followed-by a laboratory test of the SLS concept to confirm feasibility. Phase II will demonstrate SLS performance via underwater tow tests.