Bottom Bounce Array Sonar Submarine (BBASS)

ABSTRACT Anticipated technological advances in the quieting of potential adversary submarines mandate the use of increasingly effective detection systems for U.S. ASW forces. Based on the assumptions that sonar will continue to be the primary means of detection and that the effectiveness of each individual sonar element will not change markedly, one must increase the projected area of the sonar array to improve its capability. The primary SSN mission of anti‐submarine warfare will hence require increasing the hull area devoted to the primary sonar detection system. A revolutionary hull form is proposed that maximizes the area available for this purpose. The advantages and disadvantages of this hull form are discussed and feasibility study level design parameters and arrangements presented.