Deep ocean search by visual, acoustic, and magnetic sensors

The essential components of a system for ocean floor search are: facilities for safe deployment and retrieval of the search vehicle; a method for accurately determining the position of the ship and the search vehicle at all × suitable sensors and displays; provisions for rapid analysis of data; and facilities and personnel for proper operation and maintenance of the equipment. The unmanned towed vehicle system installed on Mizar (T-AGOR-11) uses a center well through which the sensor vehicle can be safely launched even in high sea states. The area about the Well is enclosed to provide a dry comfortable environment for maintenance and repair personnel. The hull-mounted acoustic tracking system provides means for accurate navigation using a single bottom reference transponder. Photographic, magnetic, and acoustic sensors are used simultaneously and excellent provisions are available for film development and data reduction. The major system design philosophy holds that all sensors must operate simultaneously, and all "data" are to be recorded in a permanent form. This latter requirement is very important since it reduces the dependency on "alert" operator performance and also permits reevaluation of data as the search progresses.