Three axis acoustic current meter

During the first phase of this contract, design concepts and prototype hardware were generated, leading to a successful demonstration of the capabilities of an acoustic phase shift velocity sensor. Success of the initial feasibility-study phase of this development program led to an extension of the scope of contract to include design and fabrication of sea-worthy moored current meters. Work to this end began in 1976 and led to production of three units configured to specific requirements of the NOAA National Data Buoy Office. These units were tested extensively by the Test and Evaluation Laboratory of NOAA. The three prototype current meters fabricated pursuant to contract have been repeatedly and successfully deployed by National Data Buoy Office. These deployments have proved the accuracy and reliability of the design and its suitability for use under arduous conditions. The successful outcome of the second phase of contract development encouraged Neil Brown Instrument Systems, Inc. to continue work on moored current meter design and has resulted in the instrument described within the body of this report. At least twenty of these units have undergone testing and deployment, with results which though preliminary, are extremely encouraging.