The PAT – Portable Acoustic Target is a compact, towable system engineered for a wide range of active and passive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training and acoustic system trials. Designed for versatility, PAT serves as an echo repeater, target simulator, augmenter, and receiver—delivering dynamic operational capability from small vessels.
Its reconfigurable sound source supports real-world acoustic emulation, enabling realistic sonar training environments without combat exposure. The system’s flexible echo return and passive noise characteristics simulate genuine submarine payloads and profiles, helping operators retain mission-critical skills and validate new sonar technologies.
Developed as a low-cost, environmentally conscious alternative to traditional acoustic targets, PAT delivers superior acoustic signature emulation across a wide frequency range. Operators can tailor the system to transmit broadband passive signatures or narrowband tonals with adjustable strength levels, supporting up to 10 simultaneous tones.
The unit functions reliably to a depth of 120 meters and withstands survival pressures at 200 meters. Designed for high-performance towing and rapid deployment, PAT operates at speeds of up to 8 knots, offering robust endurance for rigorous ocean trials and tactical readiness exercises.
Specifications:
| Operating Depth: | 120 m |
| Survival Depth: | 200 m |
| Max Tow Speed: | Deployment/Recovery: 4 kn; Towing: 8 kn |
| Weight: | Sonar Rack: 190 kg; Winch w/ Cable & A-frame: 970 kg; Tow Body: 120 kg |
| Power Requirement: | 240 V 1 Ph 50 A* (source and winch not simultaneous) |
| Frequency Band (Echo Repeat): | 1–5 kHz (LF), 5–10 kHz (MF) |
| Active Target Strength Setting: | 0–20 dB |
| Max Echo Repeat Level: | 175 dB |
| Passive Sonar Emulation: | 10 Hz – 2 kHz |
| Max Concurrent Tonals: | Up to 10 |
| Passive Max Source Level: | 160 dB (LF and MF) |
