On-board ultrasonic air sonar

Purpose

Development of a new small-size air sonar intended for orientation and positioning of surface ships in the course of their joint operation in the sea and for their mooring in poor visibility conditions (mist, snowfall, smoke) or in the "dead zone" of ship's radars.

Components of the sonar and the principle of its operation General view of the ultrasonic air sonar for ships

The sonar includes:

  • an 11-channel transmitting-receiving array with new reversible broadband transducers made on the basis of a piezocomposite film;
  • a transmitting-receiving unit consisting of 11-channel transmitting and receiving amplifiers, a control pulse generator, and phase shifters;
  • a numerical signal processing unit with a graphic display feature;
  • a cable communication line connecting the array with the hardware unit and the module.
The principle of operation of the sonar is based on the transmission of a pulsed signal, reception of the echo signal from the object to be located, processing of the echo signal, and data display for the operator.

Degree of readiness

A prototype of the air sonar operating in the ultrasonic frequency range is manufactured, and the corresponding design documentation is completed. Interdepartmental tests of the sonar prototype were performed. The acoustic pressure level produced by the transmitter at 1 m distance is 140 dB; the range of operation for an object with an equivalent radius of 5 m is no less than 50 m; the accuracy of range determination is ± 0,2 m; the angle of aspect is ± 25 deg.

The Acoustics Institute accomplishes manufacturing of the sonar upon a request along with the development of the wiring lay-out for its mounting on board a ship.