Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) Sensor for Ohio Class Ballistic Missile (SSBN), Ohio Class Guided Missile (SSGN), and Columbia Class Submarines

Submarine sonar systems depend upon a Sound Velocity Profile (SVP) as a critical input to develop the acoustic sensor view of the ocean environment surrounding the submarine and to identify undersea threats. The source of noise radiates outward and bends as a function of water density, which is a function of Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD), in accordance with Snell’s law of refraction for sound waves. The acoustic sensor uses the SVP data to determine the depth and range of the acoustic source and to determine if the source is an undersea or surface threat. Additionally, water density calculation from CTD data is used for submarine control maneuver which is especially important in varied density water which is found below melting ice caps. The most accurate and up to date SVP data will increase sonar sensor performance. QSI will apply previous research and development into Expendable CTD technologies to develop the submarine mounted CTD sensor and improve the performance compared to the existing system. The CTD will be developed with an understanding of the effect the submarine has on the inherent temperature of the water based upon the submarine passing through or by the sample of water.