Abstract: An acoustic envelope is provided which may include a tubular sheath which mounted about a conducting element. The tubular sheath has inner and outer tubular portions which are integral with respect to one another. The acoustic envelope further includes a plurality of non-elastic strands which extend longitudinally along the sheath between the inner and outer tubular portions and which are bonded thereto. The tubular sheath is constructed of a material which optimally minimizes vibration induced noise and flow induced noise when the line array is towed through the water.

Abstract: A vibration isolation module is interposed between a sonar array and its ing cable. A number of nylon cords contained within the vibration isolation module normally bear the load induced by the hydrodynamic drag of the array. Since the nylon cords are encased in a rubber-like envelope, noise and vibrations created by the towing cable are damped and prevented from overly interfering with the responsiveness of the sonar array. When, however, the array's drag is increased by, for example, a faster towing speed, the cords stretch and a central braided member bears the load. The braided member has a strength considerably in excess of the nylon cords to assure that the towed sonar array is not lost. Since the braided member is filled with a viscous material and there are no other voids in the rubber-like envelope, the module can be pulled through a hull penetrator to deploy or retrieve the sonar array.