Abstract: Embodiments relate to coupling a heading sensor to a deflector surface reference for obtaining the deflector heading which can be used in estimation of the deflector angle of attack. A method may comprise: towing a plurality of streamers behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein at least one deflector provides a lateral component of force to the streamers; determining a deflector heading over ground using at least measurements from a heading sensor on a surface reference corresponding to the deflector; determining a deflector velocity over ground using at least measurements from a position sensor on the surface reference; determining a water current of the body of water; and estimating a deflector angle of attack based on inputs comprising the deflector heading, the deflector velocity over ground, and the water current.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide rope termination devices with flexible members for accommodating fleet angle in the rope without undue frictional wear on the rope. A metal connector is fastened to a tail with a flexure in a direction perpendicular to a plane through an axial centerline of the rope termination device. The rope wraps around the tail and the metal connector, lying in a passage formed around an exterior of the components, and may be secured by an overbraid jacket applied around the tail portion of the rope termination device.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to coupling a heading sensor to a deflector surface reference for obtaining the deflector heading which can be used in estimation of the deflector angle of attack. A method may comprise: towing a plurality of streamers behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein at least one deflector provides a lateral component of force to the streamers; determining a deflector heading over ground using at least measurements from a heading sensor on a surface reference corresponding to the deflector; determining a deflector velocity over ground using at least measurements from a position sensor on the surface reference; determining a water current of the body of water; and estimating a deflector angle of attack based on inputs comprising the deflector heading, the deflector velocity over ground, and the water current.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide rope termination devices with flexible members for accommodating fleet angle in the rope without undue frictional wear on the rope. A metal connector is fastened to a tail with a flexure in a direction perpendicular to a plane through an axial centerline of the rope termination device. The rope wraps around the tail and the metal connector, lying in a passage formed around an exterior of the components, and may be secured by an overbraid jacket applied around the tail portion of the rope termination device.