also uses an expendable sound velocity measuring
probe. The "SSQ" systems will remain in use through at
least the late 1990’s.
The following text discusses the AN/SSQ-(series)
systems, followed by the AN/BQH-7A system.
AN/SSQ-(SERIES)
BATHYTHERMOGRAPHS
All of the AN/SSQ-(series) bathythermograph sets
are manufactured by the Sippican Corporation, and
appear very similar. The most apparent difference is the
style of launcher used. Changes in the recorder are
mostly in the electronics.
The AN/SSQ-61A bathythermograph system is the
latest modification, which consists of an RO-326B/
SSQ-56 or a RO-326C/SSQ-56 bathythermograph data
recorder (fig. 2-1) and a MX-8577/SSQ-61
bathythermograph launcher (fig. 2-2). The "C" model
recorder has an additional output circuit that allows for a
direct connection to a remote recorder or an onboard
acoustic data processor.
The AN/SSQ-60 system is almost identical to the
newer SSQ-61 series except it uses an earlier model
recorder, the RO-326A/SSQ-56, and a slightly different
launcher. Some ships still use the older AN/SSQ-56A
system, which also uses the RO-326 model recorder but
an earlier model launcher, the deck-mounted MX-
7594A/SSQ-56.
Since all of the SSQ series systems accept the
standard expendable 1,500-foot-depth OC-14/SSQ-56
Figure 2-1.—Bathythermograph data recorder RO-326B, C/SSQ-56.
2-3
