The evolution of an acoustic homing system for underwater vehicles

Authors

  • Garry J. Heard DRDC Atlantic, PO Box 1012, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z7, Canada
  • Nicos Pelavas DRDC Atlantic, PO Box 1012, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z7, Canada
  • Carmen E. Lucas DRDC Atlantic, PO Box 1012, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z7, Canada
  • R. Fleming DRDC Atlantic, PO Box 1012, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z7, Canada
  • D. Watson Omnitech Electronics Inc., 10 Akerley Blvd. Suite 1, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1J4, Canada

Keywords:

Underwater acoustics, Arctic ocean, Homing system, Source level, System miniaturization, Underwater vehicles

Abstract

The initial testing of the homing concept, the Explorer version of the Long-Range Acoustic Bearing (LRAB), and a new first-stage of system miniaturization that will allow the homing device to be used in medium-sized Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), is described. The CTA was built with PVC tubes and plate and was lowered to mid-water depth, while a portable source was moved to a number of different locations around the central location of the CTA. Data were collected for various frequencies, source levels, and source depths. The results of acoustic homing under the ice in the Arctic Ocean near the Sever Spur during spring 2010 were collected. The AUV activated the homing mode when it was expected to be within 50 km of an ice camp that was drifting freely. The abrupt course change at 'Homing Start' is a consequence of the unknown camp drift.

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Published

2012-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Heard GJ, Pelavas N, Lucas CE, Fleming R, Watson D. The evolution of an acoustic homing system for underwater vehicles. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2012 Sep. 1 [cited 2023 Mar. 22];40(3):74-5. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2546

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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