Low Drag, Underwater Acoustic Source for Sea Surface-based Mine Sweeping

A critical design feature for a towed mine countermeasure platform is low drag. In this STTR we propose to integrate an efficient acoustic source within a low drag body to perform influence mine sweeps behind an unmanned surface vehicle. To develop the optimum system a trade-study is proposed during Phase I to examine electronically-powered transducers and novel hydroacoustic concepts. The transducer design will be capable of radiating high levels of energy into the surrounding fluid within the design envelope. For the hydroacoustic option, different mechanisms of cavitation will be examined for the hydroacoustic source to accurately mimic a ship signature. Numerical techniques will be used to develop the hydrodynamic shape of the towed body that will minimize the overall drag. A key component of the system is that it will be designed to easily integrate into the Navy's current mine countermeasure platforms, providing immediate benefits.