The use of pressure insensitive components in a small diameter line array

The New London Laboratory of the Naval Underwater Systems Center has developed a prototype small diameter line array using pressure-insensitive components. The array is composed of depth sensors, accelerometers, inclinometers and hydrophones. The data acquisition system utilizes FM multiplex with all sensor signals terminating at a surface buoy. the multiplexed data is then transmitted over an FM R-F link to a receiving ship or station. The use of pressure insensitive components has virtually eliminated the requirement for heavy pressure housings and minimized the need for large deck handling equipment. A small diameter line array currently under construction has acoustic and environmental sensors and will operate in a pressure insensitive mode except for one electronic component that will be protected. Many of the system components have actually been pressure tested to 5000 psi. Future arrays are being planned that will operate exclusively in a pressure insensitive mode.