The degree of backscatter of the acoustic signals, for example of that pertaining to active sonar, is denoted as "target echo strength" (TES). Concerning the "visibility" of submarines, this backscatter phenomenon is of the utmost importance. The submarines designed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems have low TES due to their small physical dimensions (cross-section) and the stealth design of the upper deck and sail. However, new developments of bi- and multi-static low frequency active sonar systems may motivate further reduction of the TES in the future. To be prepared, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is working on a study to reduce the TES by overall submarine shaping and coating. Absorptive coatings are appropriate for application at the pressure hull or other large reflectors. Besides absorptive coatings, reflective coatings may also be used to reduce the TES. Reflective coatings can be implemented to shield objects with high TES behind the semi-transparent hydrodynamic casing - which has a much lower TES. Going one step further, the benefit in terms of TES reduction of a complete stealth design will be demonstrated during the presentation. The above summarized work will be presented and illustrated on the fictitious submarine model denoted as "BeTSSi".
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