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> Underwater Navigation
Acoustic Underwater Navigation System
Background:
Pilots used a navigation system based on sound to find
pre-determined destinations. When the chief scientist and other
researchers decide what area the dive will explore, transponders, or
underwater beacons that make a special pinging sound, are dropped in
a triangular pattern to the ocean floor. Once submerged, the
submersible sends sound signals to each transponder in sequence.
Using echo sounding and analytic geometry, computers on board the
submersible determine the distance the ship is from each transponder
and its exact location. When the dive is completed, the research
vessel will send a special release signal to the transponders so they
rise to the surface for recovery and use again.
- mother ship
releases transponders and monitors the submersible on a dive - transponder
a beacon that makes a pinging sound - submersible
a pinger on board sends and receives signals from each transponder
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