Patent ID: 6697301
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
An acoustic array deployment system for an underwater vehicle, comprising:a weighted projectile capable of being housed onboard the underwater vehicle; an optical fiber based acoustic array having a first end and a second end with said first end being coupled to said weighted projectile and said second end being coupled to the underwater vehicle; spooling means for maintaining said acoustic array in a spooled configuration when said weighted projectile is housed onboard the underwater vehicle, said spooling means comprising a first spool mounted onboard said weighted projectile and a second spool mounted onboard the underwater vehicle; and ejection means coupled to said weighted projectile for launching said weighted projectile from onboard the underwater vehicle in a gravitationally downward direction that is not aligned with the underwater vehicle's direction of travel, wherein said acoustic array is paid out from said spooling means as said weighted projectile is launched and then sinks under its own weight.