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Towed Pinger Locator 30
Two TPL's meets the Navy's requirement for locating pinger emergency beacons on downed Navy and commercial aircraft to a maximum depth of 20,000 feet anywhere in the world.
The tow fish carries a passive listening device for detecting pingers that automatically transmit an acoustic pulse. Most pingers transmit every second at 37.5 kHz, although the TPL can detect any pinger transmitting between 5-60 kHz at any repetition rate.
The Pinger Locator is towed behind a vessel at slow speeds, generally from 1 - 5 knots depending on the depth. The received acoustic signal of the pinger is transmitted up the cable and is presented in audio and visual modes. The operator monitors the greatest signal strength and records the navigation coordinates. This procedure is repeated on multiple track lines until the final position is triangulated.
The system consists of the tow fish, tow cable, winch, hydraulic power unit, generator, and topside control console, although not all of these components are required on every mission. Navigation is accomplished by using algorithms incorporating the amount of cable in the water, the depth indication from the
tow fish and other parameters. Electrical power from the support platform can be used for the system if it is compatible; otherwise a generator provides the power.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
TOW BODY
Length - 5 feet
Diameter - 5 inches
Weight - 70 lbs
PERFORMANCE
Depth - 20,000 feet of seawater
Speed - 1-5 knots
INSTRUMENTATION
Navigation
Depth Sensor & Lay-back Algorithms
Frequency
Adjustable from 5-60 KHz
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