ASA 124th Meeting New Orleans 1992 October

4aEA7. Acoustic test facilities at Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho.

George A. Guedel

Acoust. Res. Detachment, P.O. Box 129, Bayview, ID 83803

The primary mission of the Acoustic Research Detachment is to support the development of advanced submarine stealth technology. The environmentally attractive characteristics of Lake Pend Oreille in Northern Idaho provide near ideal testing conditions in which to accomplish this mission. The lake has a maximum depth of 1158 ft with more than 26 mi[sup 2] deeper than 1000 ft. The water temperature below a depth of 200 ft is constant at 39.5 (degrees)F. During periods of minimal boat interference, the acoustic ambient noise level is below sea state zero greater than 43% of the time. Six large scale models are available, along with a number of other special test fixtures, to perform experiments in the areas of ship silencing, underwater acoustics, structural acoustics, target strength, hydroacoustics, and hydrodynamics. There are three permanent test sites on the lake, with a fourth site currently under development. Mobile test platforms are also available. Each site provides a separate and unique test capability. All of the facilities are highly adaptable and can be reconfigured to support most test requirements.