Acoustic Research Detachment

The Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD), Bayview, Idaho, on Lake Pend Oreille, is used for research and design validation using quarter-scale models of methodologies to reduce acoustic signatures on ships. Lake Pend Oreille is a large, deep, and extremely quiet body of water, ideal for acoustic testing. ARD encompasses the Large Scale Vehicle, a quarter-scale fully-autonomous submarine, used for propulsor research and submarine maneuvering studies; the Intermediate Scale Measurement System (ISMS) used to conduct research in acoustic radiation and target strength of submarines; the flow-noise haul-down facility used to conduct research on the impact of fluid flow over and about submarine hulls; and, a facility to test the high speed flow induced noise of towed arrays.