Effective Service Life of Variable Depth Sonar Tow Cable

This paper describes Canadian Forces experience with Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) tow cable, fatigue studies on the cable and an acoustic emission technique for detecting defective cable in situ. Although the AN/SQS 505 cable is designed with a small factor of safety for demanding service, this paper concludes that it should prove adequate for effective service if corrosion protection, inspection and monitoring are maintained. An additional benefit of this work was that a method was devised for remaking the mechanical termination while at sea, extending the effective life of the ship/VDS system in service.