US Navy Submarine & ASW Landlocked Idaho, Stealth, Acoustic Research Detachment

The US Navy maintains its world's most expensive, most powerful, submarine and anti-submarine forces by maintaining large networks of bases and test facilities. Most are, of course, by the sea, but some are landlocked like the huge (by most country's standards) Lake Pend Oreille. Bayview, Idaho, Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD). 

Part of the reason for the sighting of ARD is for security. It is far from the submarine sensors and human contact of opposing forces.

Above is a seperate Youtube on what ARD does. 

From 2 minutes 35 seconds in the Youtube gets interesting when ARD's Director describes that they utilize the models to test any aspect of a submarine, the:

-  hull shape
-  materials

-  control surfaces

-  propulsor

-  even structure and systems installed inside a submarine

-  any aspect that has an impact on the submarine’s acoustic signature.

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Below is the official version (from the Internet November 22, 2018) of what ARD does. at https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Carderock/Who-We-Are/Bayview-Idaho/

The 1/3 scale LSV-2 Cutthroat Virginia submarines are part of the most publically known role. 

"The [US Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD)] Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD) is located on Lake Pend Oreille, which is Idaho’s largest, deepest (1,150 feet), and quietest body of water providing an ideal environment for acoustic testing without the attendant problems and costs of open ocean operations. 

[The Carderock Division consists of approximately 2,000 scientists, engineers and support personnel.]

The ARD operates and supports unique Large Scale Submarine Models, Test Ranges, and acoustic test facilities utilized in conducting Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) of submarine acoustic stealth technology.  These state-of-the-art facilities support a wide variety of research and technology development programs ranging from submarine propulsor development to the calibration of full-scale acoustic transducers. Detachment personnel supporting the experiments form a highly capable and versatile workforce providing ARD customers a timely and quality outcome. They work closely with project scientists, engineers and technicians throughout the Carderock Division and other Navy and private organizations, to plan and conduct operations and experiments on the lake.

The results obtained during past experiments have been extremely valuable to the Navy, especially in the area of submarine propulsor design, sonar dome development, submarine construction cost avoidance, and the development of several critical submarine design features. Future plans include critical support of current and future Navy submarine design in the area of structural acoustics, hydroacoustics, propulsor development, target strength reduction, and related experiments using the unique capabilities of the ARD.  

[This is a 0.294-scale LSV-2 Cutthroat model of a Virginia (SSN-774) that is an unmanned, autonomous test vehicle for evaluating stealth technology. Weight: 205 tonnes. Length: 111 feet (34m) Beam: 10 feet (3m) Propulsion: Electric drive 3,000 shp (2.2MW?)]

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The Large Scale Vehicle-2 (LSV-2), a large model of the VIRGINIA Class submarine, is being used extensively in the area of propulsor research. Large scale buoyant submarine models support testing in the area of submarine structural acoustic and hydroacoustic technology.  Target strength testing is conducted using the Intermediate Scale Measurement System (ISMS), which provides a unique acoustic test capability unsurpassed by any other available facility.

The site's technical programs typically support analytical efforts of the NSWCCD and contribute directly to the development of advanced submarine designs. These programs support the Fleet, Navy systems commands, and other defense agencies. The ARD also support private industry and research efforts of academia and our allies. 

Acoustic Research Detachment

33964 N. Main Avenue
Bayview, ID 83803-9750"

Pete