Underwater Detection

and Tracking Systems

Naval Weapons Systems

Transducer Theory
Transducer:

Device for converting one

form of energy to another

Electrical energy into acoustic (oscillation of

water molecules through which sound travels)

Acoustic
Signals

TRANSDUCER

Electric
Signals

Transducer Power
Pressure of sound wave is limited by:

Hydrostatic pressure
Cavitation pressure
Water vaporizes!

Increasing power normally means

increased transducer array size

How can we increase power from an array of

fixed size?

Types of Transducers

Crystal

Ceramic (Electrostrictive)

Piezoelectric effect converts pressure changes into

electrical form
An electric field is applied to polarize the transducer
causing a slight change in shape (mechanical
deformation)

Magnetostrictive

Magnetic field can cause materials to expand or

contract (change shape)
Nickel rods placed in a magnetic field vibrate

Basic Sonar Systems

Active

Echo Ranging Systems

Acoustic energy is transmitted, and the
received signal is the echo from the target

Ping

Passive

Listening Systems
Dependant on receiving signals radiated
from the target

Advantages & Disadvantages

Limitations of sonar due to physical

properties of sound travel in water

Active vs Passive sonar in detection
Active vs Passive sonar in tracking

Questions?

Hydrophones
Lighter than transducers
Designed for reception only
Bearing information only, no range
Much like a transducer

Electrostrictive
Magnetostrictive

Other Sonar Equipment

Tactical Towed Array Sonar (TACTAS)

Passive system
Linearly spaced hydrophones
Heading, Temp, depth sensors

Other Sonar
Sonobouys

Passive
Active
Special Purpose

Dipping Sonar
Sound Surveillance System

(SOSUS)
VISUAL!

Magnetic Anomaly Detection

(MAD)
Principle:

A metallic submarine disturbs

the magnetic lines of force of the earth
The magnetic distortion or anomaly
caused by a submarine below surface can
be detected from above submarine
P-3C, SH-60B

Underwater Communications
ELF TO UHF satellite

What is the disadvantage

Relatively Short Range

Water conditions, noise, reverberation

Sound Channels

Ideal conditions

12,000 meters

Introduction (Platforms)
Surface Ships (DDG, CG, DD, FFG)

Advantages:

more available manpower

greater time on station
variety of detection equipment
variety of available weapons and better fire control
systems
ability to operate in foul weather
embarked LAMPS aircraft

Introduction (Platforms)
Surface Ships

Disadvantages:

NOT in the submarines environment

Relatively Slow
Noisy
ASW prosecution is protracted

Introduction (Platforms)
Aircraft Carriers

Advantages:
Same as for Surface Ships

Disadvantages:
Same as for Surface Ships
Aircraft Carrier is a High Value Unit
Its importance to naval operations requires many
assets to be employed to protect it

Introduction (Platforms)
Aircraft (S-3, P-3, SH-60B)

Advantages:

Speed
Ability to deploy sensors over a large area
Surprise through use of passive detection
Not in submarines environment
Altitude increases radar horizon

Introduction (Platforms)
Aircraft

Disadvantages:

Low time on station

Limited weapons capacity
Limited range
Vulnerable to weather
Not in submarines environment

Introduction (Platforms)
Submarines

Advantages:
Shares the advantages of the target
passive detection
concealment
less distracted by sound properties of water
Nuke subs can stay submerged for months

What is the limiting factor?

Introduction (Platforms)
Submarines

Disadvantages:

To detect targets, subs must run deep

To communicate, subs must be shallow
Capable of high speed, but at higher noise level
Diesel subs must snorkel to recharge batteries

Questions?