Acquiring Bathymetry Data With the VSS Sonar on the AQS-20 Mine Hunting System

Abstract : A goal of future naval development is to utilize fleet systems to acquire ocean environment measurements for tactical use on the spot'. A preliminary evaluation of data indicates that a future operational mine hunting system can provide needed bathymetry data in regions where adequate data does not exist. In this paper, bathymetric data is obtained from the Volume Search Sonar (VSS) on the Engineering Development Model (EDM) AN/AQS-20 Sonar, Mine Detecting Set to illustrate the capability. This system is a helicopter-towed mine hunting system with the capability to obtain coarse bathymetry data. The data are sufficient to meet the accuracy requirements for mine warfare operations.