Programmable Underwater Lightweight Sonic Source (PULSS)

In response to the evolving challenges associated with traditional high-energy impulsive acoustic sources, such as explosive charges containing TNT, the Navy is actively seeking a transformative solution for seabed characterization and transmission loss experiments. The current methods, reliant on hazardous materials and their associated special handling protocols, necessitate a paradigm shift towards a safer, more efficient alternative. This initiative is driven by the Navy's commitment to enhancing underwater acoustic technology in a manner that prioritizes safety, operational effectiveness, and adaptability to various environments.   The most critical factors for the next generation acoustic source are 1) repeatability of the impulse and 2) the maintaining a reasonable unit cost. To meet the Navy’s new needs, the Makai Ocean Engineering (Makai) and University of Hawaii (UH) team proposes to develop the Programmable Underwater Lightweight Sonic Source (PULSS) system. This system will be designed to produce a tactically relevant underwater acoustic impulse without the use of explosives or combustible gas. PULSS offers the flexibility of on-the-fly programming just before deployment, allowing precise triggering at a desired depth with all available units. Housed within an A- size sonobuoy or Signal, Underwater Sound (SUS) form factor, PULSS represents an innovative solution to meet the Navy's advanced underwater acoustic needs.