Mid Ships Tow Point for Single Line and Multi Line Towed Arrays

摘要

A towed array handling system is provided for installation within the enlargedsails of future submarines. The system has a large diameter reel which provides storage for the entire array and tow cable when not deployed. The area within the enlarged sail is sufficient to allow for a dual winch and reel system for separately storing and deploying single line and/or multi line arrays. The reel applies the full tension of the streamed array as it is deployed and retrieved. When locked, the reel applies the full array streaming tension during high speed tow. The towed array is ducted from the winch to a mid ships tow point via a guide path through a ballast tank which contains only two bends. The upper sheave at the bend closest to the winch is free wheeling and the lower sheave is part of a transfer device which pulls the array from the winch during the initial phase of deployment. The guide duct is aligned with the winch to provide even spooling of the array, especially the multi line array, onto the winch.