Posted on 07/16/2016 4:02:49 PM PDT by artichokegrower
Depends on what you're trying to do. Most surface ships use a mid-frequency sonar. But low-frequency sonars work better against very quiet targets.
Is there benefits in learning to master low level sonar?
Like any other technical skill, operating a sonar system takes time to master and practice to keep your skill set up.
Is there an optimal sonar frequency or power level that accomplishes the mission without harming marine life?
Like I said most surface and sub-surface sonar systems operate in the 1000 HZ to 10000 HZ range. Low frequency sonar, which operates at 500 HZ and below, is better for some situations.
We should find a way to navigate without destroying the ear drums of all sea life within miles of a sonar ping.
Sonar is used to find submarines. It has nothing to do with navigation.
Active Duty ping.
My gosh,
Why are they allowed to use sonar at all?
Everyone knows it’s lethal to whales and finches.
This is ridiculous. The majority of ASW operations; i.e., looking for submarines, is performed with passive sonars—hydrophones that only listen.
But what about subs? Do subs use sonar for navigation or solely for locating other subs? If they do use sonar for any reason, wouldn't it be in their best interest to do so at a level that is barely above the level of background noise? Ideally, you would want a situation where no one knew that any sonar even occurred. So innocuous that your target is unaware that they had even been acoustically sensed.
There is no such thing a stealth active sonar.
It sure isn’t Sparta any more.
In general subs use inertial navigation (i.e. gyroscopes and accelerators and mathematics) to figure out where they are based on what the measured speed and direction has been. They then use charts to figure out where they need to go and how they need to maneuver there. Lather, rinse, repeat...
Solely for detecting other subs. Navigation is done through other means.
If they do use sonar for any reason, wouldn't it be in their best interest to do so at a level that is barely above the level of background noise? Ideally, you would want a situation where no one knew that any sonar even occurred. So innocuous that your target is unaware that they had even been acoustically sensed.
Any noise put into the water can be detected, which is why ASW detection is primarily done through passive acoustic means. Subs are detected by listening for the noise that they make rather than by generating noise yourself.
Active sonar operates on the same principle as radar does above water, except that instead of using radar waves it used sound waves. It is noisy by nature regardless of the sound spectrum used.
SONAR = Sound NAVIGATION And Ranging.
/ex-SONAR operator
And when did you use it to figure out where you were? Determining depth under the keel or depth under the ice is one thing. Navigation is quite another
Navigation is more than just “figuring out where you are”. RADAR doesn’t work under water. Take it from there. Anyway, it’s IN THE NAME. Deal with it.
Like what?
RADAR doesn’t work under water.
No kidding?
Anyway, it’s IN THE NAME. Deal with it.
And "Moltke" is in your screen name. Am I to assume you're a German military commander?
SONAR isn’t a screen name.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.