Vector Hydrophone Torpedo Defense Array

Under the proposed Phase II STTR effort, Applied Physical Sciences Corp., along with their partners, The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington, Wilcoxon Research, Inc., and Chesapeake Sciences Corp., proposes to develop an advanced vector hydrophone towed array. This includes a comprehensive acoustic analysis and design, a system interface design that leverages existing tow cable, array controller, and recording system assets, a new, shorter vector hydrophone appropriate for the frequency range of interest, acoustic module fabrication, and a tow test demonstration. The major product of the Phase I effort included a Vector Sensor Array Simulator (VSAS) and this will be used to predict performance for the new array designs. The new Vector Hydrophone Torpedo Defense Array will provide enhanced passive detection capability as well has the ability to receive mid-frequency active sonar returns.