Device for automatically attaching and detaching a towed sonar transmitter to and from an active-sonar tow line

摘要

The present invention relates to the handling, the attachment to a pull line andthe sea launch of variable-depth apparatuses, or fish, dragged by a surface ship.The invention relates to a an automatic attachment and handling device for a fishtowed by a tow line, that comprises an automatic attaching device (21) for themechanical attachment of the fish (11) to the pull line (13) and for connectingsaid fish to a signal and energy conveying structure in said line. The system ofthe present invention also includes an automatic fish-handling device (22)on which the fish (11) is positioned when not attached to the pull line (13) andfrom which it is separated after attachment, which is used for automaticallypositioning the fish relative to the line so that the attachment and detachmentcan also be carried out automatically. The invention is particularly intendedfor towed active sonars in which the transmission antenna is integrated in a submersibleapparatus, or fish, while the reception antenna consists of a linear antenna(or hydrophone array) towed behind the fish.