ship-towed long-range acoustic detection system
Noun: A ship-towed long-range acoustic detection system is a naval apparatus deployed from a vessel. It consists of an array of underwater microphones (hydrophones) housed within a long, flexible cable or tube that is pulled behind the ship. Its primary function is to detect, classify, and determine the direction of sound sources, such as submarines, at significant distances.
This term specifically refers to the complete, integrated system being towed. It is a technical term used in military, naval engineering, and maritime security contexts. * The frigate deployed its ship-towed long-range acoustic detection system to patrol the silent depths of the ocean. * The effectiveness of a ship-towed long-range acoustic detection system depends on water conditions and the skill of its operators.
- The system is often described by its state of operation: , , , , or .
- Performance is discussed in terms of its , , , and .
- Towed Array Sonar (TAS): A common general synonym and the more frequent term in technical and operational use.
- Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS): A specific type used by the United States Navy.
- Passive Sonar: The broader category of listening-only sonar technology to which this system belongs.
- Variable Depth Sonar (VDS): A related but often distinct system that may be towed but is typically used for different purposes, such as hunting mines.
- Towed array sonar
- Towed acoustic array
- Towed passive sonar system
- Hull-mounted sonar: Sonar systems fixed directly to the ship's hull.
- Active sonar: Sonar that emits a sound pulse ("ping") and listens for the echo, as opposed to the passive listening of a towed array.
- Dipping sonar: A sonar system lowered from a helicopter into the water.
- "To stream the array": To deploy the towed system into the water.
- "Array handling system": The machinery on the ship used to deploy and retrieve the towed cable.
- "Acoustic signature": The unique sound profile that the system detects and analyzes.
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a shipboard system consisting of an acoustic detection system that is towed behind the ship