Abstract: The aft drogue module (18) of the towed sonar array has a body (20) as its main length. The body (20) contains strength member (26) which is covered by an extruded tube (28) of rubberlike material which is covered by braid (30) and which, in turn, is covered by extruded abrasion-resistant cover sleeve (32). At its forward end, the strength member is expanded into the conical interior of coupling (22). The tail (56) is attached to the body and contains fill material (60) which damps and is sufficiently stiff to inhibit whipping during towing.

Abstract: A technique for a vibration isolation module (VIM) used for towed arrays is disclosed. The VIM has a stretchable cable on which is mounted one or more rigid spacers which make contact with an outer hose formed of a flexible material having a selected vibration attenuation characteristic. The spacer transmits energy between the parts of the VIM which contact the spacer for attenuation purposes. The spacer is "soft mounted" on the stretchable cable so that it may be moved by a limited amount along the cable in response to forces of a specified minimum magnitude. This ability to move allows adjustment of the internal parts of the VIM during use to avoid concentrating stress at any one particular contacting area. Disclosed is an embodiment where two sleeves are used to abut the spacer at opposing ends thereof.

Abstract: Ribbon termination member has thread therein for connection to a coupling between sections of the towed array. First and second pins have cylindrically curved front surfaces upon which legs of the flexible ribbon tension member are engaged. The curved surfaces permit transfer of tension loads between the flexible tension ribbon and the pins. The second pin has an extended bearing surface 92 for preventing damage to the ribbon when loads are out-of-line.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising non-magnetic male and female coupling sections having reciprocally mating interrupted screw portions. The male section has a permanent magnet disposed in a first cylindrical chamber in the mating end thereof. The female section has a movable magnetic plunger captively disposed in a second cylindrical chamber in the mating end thereof which is free to enter the first chamber when the male and female sections are properly aligned and the interrupted screw portions are locked. Magnetic attraction holds the plunger in the first chamber. The male and female sections are thus precluded from further rotation relative to one another. A strong external magnet is used to withdraw the plunger from the first chamber thus allowing rotation and demating of the male and female sections.