The Advantages of RDT Sonar

RDT Sonar

• RDT sonar is a type of scanning sonar. Simple versions of RDT sonar transmit concentrated pulses along each programmed bearing. At the same time, it scans through all transmission directions. Tribeam RDT sonars transmit simultaneously along three beams that are 120 degrees apart.

Benefits of RDT Sonar

• RDT sonar is quicker and more powerful than its predecessor, omnidirectional transmission (ODT) sonar, according to naval analyst Norman Friedman. RDT increases transmission power by pulsing groups of hydrophones, or underwater microphones, sequentially across sectors. Because of the significance of this benefit to sonar operations, the U.S. Navy retrofitted earlier sonar equipment to add RDT capabilities.

Disadvantages

• Simple RDT sonar offers a low data rate because it cannot scan through all directions quickly enough to provide a high data rate. Tribeam RDT sonar was developed to fix this limitation since tribeam RDT can scan in three directions at once, thereby providing a higher data rate. Alternatively, multiple beams of simple RDT, set at different frequencies, could be used to scan separately but nearly simultaneously.

Marine Mammals and RDT Sonar

• One disadvantage of RDT sonar, like other underwater technologies, is its potential impact on marine mammals. Each sonar system is different, but some produce sonic waves that retain their high intensity even 300 miles from the source. These waves can disrupt the living patterns of marine mammals that are dependent on sound to communicate, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. To help protect marine mammals from possible effects of sonar, the U.S. Government has placed regulations on the taking of marine mammals.