SUMMARY 



The components of a cable-towed oceanographic instru- 

 mentation system have been developed and tested to demon- 

 strate hydromechanical feasibility. As part of the project, 

 a depressor, instrument module, and devices for attaching 

 trailing-type fairing to the tow cable were developed and 

 tested. Designs for these elements are presented. The 

 investigations also included a basic study of specialized 

 winching equipment capable of handling rigid "lumps" spaced 

 intermittently along the cable. Representative elements of 

 the system, including the winching equipment, were tested 

 at sea. 



The results of the develojaaental and sea tests verify 

 the hydroraechanic feasibility of towing the system to a 

 depth of 5,000 feet at speeds of seven or eight knots. The 

 capability of the winch in handling and storing cables with 

 intermittent, rigid "lumps" was also proven. 



With feasibility established, development should be 

 continued to finalize the design of the winching and 

 handling equipment. Design studies on the data-transmission 

 system should be initiated. 



