depths of about 1000 feet preclude extension to major depths. 

 The Systems Engineering Division, sponsored by the Office of 

 Naval Research, therefore undertook a program to increase the 

 capabilities of such systems by designing to the practical 

 maximum limits possible within the envelope of pertinent 

 restrictions. The program had the following general ob- 

 jectives : 



1. Study the requirements for deep-towed, continuous- 

 reading oceanographic instrviroentation and develop 



design criteria; 



2. Conduct experimental verification of techniques 

 necessary to implement the above design criteria; 

 and 



3. Conceptually design and prepare specifications 

 for systems functional at 5000-foot and 1000-foot 

 depths, including shipboard handling equipment. 



It soon became apparent that the most expeditious approach 

 to these objectives was to proceed with the conceptual design 

 of the deeper of the two systems, as this would assure early 

 recognition of relevant problems and force development of 

 pertinent design criteria. Moreover, it was decided that 

 whereas provision could not be made for every measurement 

 that might be desired by oceanographers for specific investi- 

 gations, the design should be directed toward satisfying 



