RAP-Based Mooring System Enhances Long-Range Deep-Sea Acoustic Detection

IntroductionTo address the requirement for long-range detection of underwater acoustic sources in deep-sea environments, this study presents the design and implementation of an acoustic detection subsurface buoy system based on the Reliable Acoustic Path (RAP).MethodsBased on the deep-sea sound speed profile and critical depth, the formation mechanism and propagation characteristics of the RAP were analyzed. A deep-sea subsurface buoy system incorporating mooring configuration, buoyancy trimming, power supply, real-time communication, and a co-oscillating sphere-type three-dimensional vector hydrophone was designed and implemented.ResultsThe developed vector hydrophone supports a maximum operating depth of 5000 m. The system was deployed in the northern South China Sea at a water depth of approximately 4050 m. Sea-trial measurements demonstrated reduced ambient noise at great depth and successful target detection and bearing estimation.DiscussionThe experimental results validate the feasibility and engineering applicability of the proposed deep-sea vector subsurface buoy detection scheme based on the Reliable Acoustic Path, supporting its potential application to long-range deep-sea acoustic detection.