A shallow water acoustic tracking system for underwater targets

The U. S. Navy´s fixed site underwater tracking ranges have provided very accurate facilities for the evaluation of new weapon systems, for the testing and calibration of existing systems, and for the evaluation of tactical exercises. Their greatest disadvantage, however, is their immobility and remoteness from some U. S. Naval fleet units. The Newport Laboratory of the U. S. Naval Underwater Systems Center has developed a Shallow Water Acoustic Tracking System (SWATS) to provide more flexibility in range operations. This system employs modified sonobuoys as telemetric underwater receivers and two trailer vans to house all land-based tracking equipment. The system concept, equipment and applications are described.