An instrument-carrying capable of being towed at depths of a kilometer at speeds of 5-6 knots is described. The vehicle system can be operated from medium-sized vessels without special handling equipment. Cumbersome and expensive cable fairings generally considered necessary for deep and/or fast tows are unnecessary. A stream-driven propeller coupled to a hydraulic pump provides power for actuation of control surfaces. Control is by electrical command from the surface. Instruments including conventional STDs, velocimeters and a current meter have been fitted to the vehicle system. A smaller body is towed below the vehicle to provide a second platform for gradient measurements at fixed vertical separations. Depth is surface controllable over plus or minus 30 meters of nominal without the necessity for hauling-in or playing-out wire. Stability at any depth has been shown to be excellent. It has been possible to follow isodensity (isopycnic) surfaces continuously and track them in depth. (Author)


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    Title :

    A Medium-Depth Controllable Towed Instrument Platform


    Contributors:
    F. R. Hess (author) / R. T. Nowak (author)

    Publication date :

    1975


    Size :

    11 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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