NAVY CAPABILITIES 21 



UNDERSEA PROBE 



A free self-propelled, unmanned, undersea probe has been developed by 

 the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington. The torpedo- 

 like vehicle, designed for use in oceanographic and acoustic research, 

 follows a controlled trajectory and acquires data on sound velocity, 

 thermal and other physical properties of the sea which are recorded in- 

 ternally. Its operating depth capability is 14,000 ft, endurance is five 

 hours at six knots, and it carries an instrument payload of approximately 

 100 pounds. The vehicle is 122 in. long and 20 in. in diameter. Propulsion 

 is electrical. 



An internal guidance system uses a gyro for course control, and pres- 

 sure and pitch-angle sensors are utilized for depth control. An acoustic 

 link with the surface vessel provides tracking and command capabilities for 

 navigational control. Override commands may be sent through the acoustic 

 tracking link for changes in heading and depth. Position with respect to 

 a surface ship is measured acoustically to a slant range of 1 5,000 ft. 



The capability and dependability of the vehicle have been demonstrated 

 in operational runs during the past several years. Environmental data have 

 been recorded digitally on magnetic tape, which can be processed imme- 

 diately and economically by direct play into a computer, or converted back 

 to analog voltage for visual display of direct recordings. 



Development of the unmanned probe will continue, and will ultimately 

 provide sensing capability at all depths and greatly extended ranges by 

 remotely controlled, and by automatically controlled programmed 

 techniques. 



UNDERSEA INSTALLATIONS 



Prototype underwater manned installations are planned to develop con- 

 struction techniques, equipment and methods. Submerged military sup- 

 port bases have application with submersibles requiring replenishment and 

 exchange of personnel, where access of submersibles to traditional surface 

 support craft cannot be reliably guaranteed because of sea state disturbance 

 or where the distance to weather-independent harbors is too great for sub- 

 mersible endurance capabilities. Other potential uses of submerged military 

 manned installations are as command centers, weapon sites, and surveillance- 

 network headquarters. Further, where work is taking place on the ocean 



