Precision tracking systems for sonobuoys

Author

Spindel, R.C. ; Porter, R.P.

Author_Institution

Woods Hole Oceanogr. Instn., Woods Hole, MA, USA

fYear

1974

fDate

21-23 Aug. 1974

Firstpage

162

Lastpage

165

Abstract

A system has been developed to track arrays consisting of several sonobuoys deployed for acoustic detection. This navigation technique can be used to track the position of any free-drifting hydrophones. The method, employing bottom-moored acoustic transponders, can provide relative hydrophone positions to within 20 meters. Ultimate geographical positioning is dependent on the accuracy of the primary navigation system available; satellite navigation can yield absolute positions to within 200 meters. The system operates in real time, yielding a hydrophone fix every 20-30 seconds. Sonobuoy arrays have been deployed for acoustic detection and localization of microearthquakes in the median valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Keywords

acoustic transducers; hydrophones; oceanographic techniques; transponders; underwater acoustic communication; acoustic detection; bottom-moored acoustic transponder; free-drifting hydrophone; geographical positioning; hydrophone position; microearthquake; navigation technique; position tracking; precision tracking system; satellite navigation; sonobuoy array; Acoustic emission; Acoustic measurements; Acoustic pulses; Calibration; Clocks; Length measurement; Marine vehicles; Satellite navigation systems; Transponders; Velocity measurement;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Engineering in the Ocean Environment, Ocean '74 - IEEE International Conference on

Conference_Location

Halifax

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/OCEANS.1974.1161411

Filename

1161411