Controlling a vessel’s acoustic signature is an ongoing challenge for naval and maritime platforms. As acoustic detection and identification technologies continue to advance, achieving acoustic stealth requires more than periodic testing or post-mission analysis. Crews and operators must be able to understand and manage all onboard noise sources – from machinery and cavitation to structural vibration and the vessel’s overall underwater radiated noise (URN) signature.
Without live operational insight, acoustic behaviour can be difficult to interpret at sea. Noise sources may remain hidden, increasing detection risk and reducing confidence in stealth performance. Changes in operating conditions, machinery health, or mission profile can all influence acoustic output, often without a clear indication of cause or impact.
HBK supports acoustic signature management through a fully integrated approach that combines continuous measurement with real-time analysis of URN. By capturing and correlating structure-borne vibration and acoustic data across the vessel, naval operators gain timely, actionable visibility into acoustic behaviour – enabling faster diagnosis, more informed decisions, and tighter control of acoustic performance throughout the mission.
Acoustic signature management is typically based on permanently installed, self-noise monitoring systems (SNMS). These integrated systems combine sensors, data acquisition, and analysis software to provide continuous visibility of underwater radiated noise (URN) during operation — without exposing sensitive vessel design data.
A distributed network of hydrophones and accelerometers is installed at selected locations throughout the vessel to capture both underwater radiated noise and structure-borne vibration. Sensor placement can be adapted to the vessel layout and noise‑critical areas, ensuring relevant acoustic coverage across key systems and operating zones.
Data acquisition hardware such as LAN-XI collects and synchronises measurement signals across multiple channels. Designed for demanding naval environments, the system supports low-noise, time‑aligned acquisition and scalable, distributed configurations – enabling reliable acoustic data capture across different vessel classes and platform types.
Real-time analysis software provides continuous monitoring of acoustic behaviour during operation. Operators can visualise acoustic and vibration data, identify dominant noise contributors such as machinery or cavitation, and track how acoustic output evolves as operating conditions change.
Together, this integrated measurement chain forms a proven reference architecture for naval acoustic signature monitoring, delivering reliable acoustic insight during system integration, sea trials, and ongoing operational service.
Acoustic signature management supports critical decisions across multiple stages of a vessel’s lifecycle – from integration to operation:
HBK hydrophones are individually calibrated, waterborne‐sound transducers. The instruments deliver a flat frequency response and are omnidirectional over a wide frequency range. All hydrophones are built with a shielded-element construction; completely waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and are able to withstand high levels of salinity. The instruments provide unrivaled depth, range, and precision when measuring sound in the lab and in ocean research.
Despite its origin in the vibration transducer world, the Constant Current Line Drive (CCLD) principle is increasing in popularity in the area of sound and measurement applications. Different manufacturers market transducers using the CCLD principle under different names.
Explore LAN-XI – a modular data acquisition system with DAQ modules, frames, front panels and accessories. This scalable DAQ platform can be configured and re-configured for a wide range of applications.
HBK measuring instruments provide class 1 sound level meters and analyzers, vibration meters, and noise dosimeters, plus a wide range of specialized sound level meter apps, kits, and post-processing software allowing you to customize your instrument to your needs.
Acoustic signature monitoring is performed using integrated hydrophones, accelerometers, and data acquisition systems that measure underwater radiated noise (URN) in real time. This provides continuous visibility of acoustic behaviour during operation.
Without real-time URN monitoring, noise sources may go undetected, increasing the risk of acoustic detection and limiting the ability to respond to issues as they arise. It also becomes harder to track changes of acoustic performance over time.
Yes. Acoustic monitoring systems can isolate noise sources such as machinery, cavitation, and structure-borne vibration. This enables targeted diagnostics rather than treating the vessel’s acoustic signature as a single aggregated value.
Yes. Acoustic signature monitoring systems are modular and scalable, supporting a wide range of vessel types and enabling consistent monitoring across entire fleets.
Yes. Monitoring underwater radiated noise provides reliable data on vessel acoustic emissions, supporting environmental impact assessments and reporting or compliance activities where required.
Modern systems are designed for straightforward integration, with modular components that can be adapted to different vessel types and operational requirements. Expert support ensures smooth installation and configuration.
Continuous monitoring helps identify acoustic issues early – long before formal validation stages. This reduces uncertainty and improves readiness for certification and sea trials.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, MicroStrain and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
