Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) Sonar Sound

SURTASS LFA Sonar Sounds

Photos courtesy of the US Navy File Photo

Photos courtesy of the US Navy File Photo.

Description

Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) sonar system is an antisubmarine warfare device designed by the US Navy. The system has both active and passive components. The active component is a set of 18 acoustic transmitters suspended by a cable beneath a surface ship. These projectors or sound sources transmit sound between 100 and 500 Hz with a source level of approximately 215 underwater dB at 1 meter. The combined system has an effective source level from 230 to 240 underwater dB at 1 meter. SURTASS LFA sonar can detect submarines at long range.There has been much concern about how SURTASS LFA is affecting marine animals and divers. The Navy has conducted research on the potential effects of LFA on marine mammals and divers and developed an Environmental Impact Statement, including a marine mammal mitigation system.