Engineering Sensors for Towed Array Reliability

TRI/Austin has developed a concept for an Engineering Performance Measurement System (EPMS) to be used to monitor the engineering performance of the Vector Sensor Towed Array (VSTA) while the VSTA is undergoing handling and tactical operations. The EPMS will piggy back onto the VSTA power and data networks. The data generated by the EPMS will be usable in real time by the sonar operator to modify operation of the towed array when critical loads are approached. The recorded data generated by the EPMS will allow the array system engineer to identify the critical points where the array handling system or the operational procedures have to be changed in order to reduce the impact on the towed array. The EPMS can be used to develop a full understanding of the interaction between the platform actions and the towed array reactions. The EPMS is designed to be able to operate when the array is not powered. As part of the effort, TRI/Austin proposes to modify the EPMS so that the engineering performance of current legacy towed arrays can be monitored. A different data transmission system is needed for the modified EPMS.