Why not a floating towed array?

[Deathblow]

Originally Posted by SubSerpent

I see what your saying. You think that it would naturally be heavy since you are comparing it to all the sensors in the standard towed array that weigh that array down.

All this "floating" array would require is a "special" buoy connected to the end of the floating radio wire. This bouy would have sensors built into it with a 360 degree scope with passive sonar capabilities. This could be wired and transmit the data into the submarines sonar suite (just like the stanard towed array does) and allow the sonar operator to see what is above a thermal layer without the sub having to surface above that layer. Rememeber, it would be better to have a thin line(cable) with a small buoy connected to it at the top(similar to a helium inflated balloon) than an entire submarine risk being detected by passing that layer. The smaller and quieter an object is the harder it is for it to be heard underwater.

Your basically describing a UUV.