Array and cable tracking data through ship maneuvers

Abstract

This paper presents tracking results from two sea tests in which a towed cable and array were tracked at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). The tracking tests involved instrumenting the cable with autonomous battery-powered pingers, and the array with ship-powered pingers. The tow vessel performed straight runs, turns, evasive maneuvers, and sink tests - all at various speeds and rudder angles. The resulting tracking data consisted of asynchronous position histories for each pinger. The data were cleaned up, synchronized, and smoothed. The relative accuracy of the data seems to be on the order of 10 cm. The data clearly show the distinction between gentle and severe maneuvers, as well as the amount of array sink, comer cutting, and wander during the maneuver. The data can also be used to validate towed system maneuvering models and to provide a data base for assessing the needs and requirements for position measurement systems.