Considerable emphasis must be placed on minimizing 

 size and weight, particularly in the handling equip- 

 ment, since the capacity of many oceanographic 

 vessels is already overtaxed . The maximum weight 

 of a depressor should not exceed 1000 pounds to 

 minimize handling problems. 



3. The system should be operable with or without 

 instrument modules. 



4. The system should be capable of a wide variety of 

 measurements. Measurement of temperature is of 

 greatest immediate concern although provision must 

 be made for measurements of conductivity, salinity, 

 and oxygen content, 



5. Emphasis at present should be placed on the attain- 

 ment of desired depths and speeds with a reliable 

 hydromechanical system not posing unreasonable 

 problems in shipboard handling. Final selection 



of intelligence-transmission techniques should be 

 deferred, although telemetry seems the only practi- 

 cal system for the depths and degree of coverage 

 desired . 



The major premise to be drawn from these discussions 

 is that whereas it appears practical to adapt the towing 

 system to a wide range of applications, demonstration of the 



