Barroa, Alberto II A.

September 26, 2023

GEC 108- MB4

SONAR

“Sound Navigation and Ranging”

Barroa, Alberto II A. September 26, 2023

GEC 108- MB4

SONAR

“Sound Navigation and Ranging”

SONAR is a technology that uses sound waves to detect and locate objects

underwater. It is similar in concept to RADAR, which uses radio waves to detect objects

in the air or on the surface. Sonar has a wide range of applications in marine and

underwater environments. It was invented primarily for military and navigation purposes,

with its development driven by the need to address specific challenges related to

underwater detection and navigation.

● Anti-Submarine Warfare ● Fisheries Management

● Underwater Navigation ● Commercial Shipping

● Detection of Underwater ● Search and Rescue

Objects ● Oil and Gas Industry

● Marine Research ● Environmental Monitoring

It was developed through the collaborative efforts of multiple scientists and

engineers over several decades.

● First would be Lewis Nixon, in 1906 he patented an acoustic ranging device that

used underwater sound to determine the distance to a submerged object.

● In 1912, Reginald Fessenden demonstrated an underwater signaling system

using sound waves.

● Also, Paul Langevin, collaborated on the development of sonar-like technology

during World War I. They created an early sonar system known as the

“hydrophone,” which allowed for the detection of submarines by listening to their

engine noise.

● Ernest Rutherford and Robert Boyle made foundational contributions to the

understanding of sound propagation in water, which was essential for the

development of sonar technology

● In World War II, both active sonar and passive sonar systems were developed

and used for anti-submarine warfare.