Develop a means to vertically stabilize a towed vertical array of low frequency acoustic projectors. The array is the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) and it is suspended below a host T-AGOS class ocean surveillance ship. A concept for eliminating the kite effect caused by hydrodynamic drag will be developed using electronic control, use of sensors and mechanical means for reducing hydrodynamic drag under various ocean environments and ship movements.
Benefit: Towed arrays are a valuable tool of both commercial and military shipping. Maintaining a vertical orientation significantly increases the reliability and effectiveness of the arrays performance.
Keywords: Constant Kite Angle at Operational Speeds, Constant Kite Angle at Operational Speeds, VERTICAL ARRAY
