Marine acoustic sensing technologies
Performance that runs deep
Trusted acoustic solutions for mission-critical naval systems
At Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies, we engineer and manufacture high-performance underwater acoustic transducers — hydrophones, projectors, accelerometers, and vector sensors — designed for defense and scientific sonar communities who understand the importance of precision at every level of the signal chain.
Our precision-engineered ceramics and transducers are made in the US for defense programs where reliability cannot be compromised – sonar arrays for submarines, torpedoes, and unmanned underwater or surface vehicles. Whether the application is detecting threats, guiding vehicles, or monitoring system health, performance is mission critical.
Wilcoxon supports a wide range of military acoustic applications:
- Hydrophones for sonobuoys and towed arrays
- Projector elements for torpedoes
- Tonpilz, segmented ring, compression- and shear-mode stacked transducers for TR modules, countermeasures, submarine acoustics, mine hunting, and ACOMMS
- Acoustic sensors for submarine and UUV arrays
- Sensors for side-scan sonar
- Vector sensors for directionality, detection, and passive acoustic surveillance
- Engine-mounted accelerometers for machinery monitoring
From atomic structure to acoustic sensor
Wilcoxon is one of the few vertically integrated organizations in the U.S. capable of engineering and manufacturing both the piezoelectric ceramics and the finished transducer assemblies. At our sister company Piezo Technologies, we produce both hard and soft PZT ceramics, including Navy Type formulations Our core team includes Ph.D. physicists and materials scientists who understand piezoelectricity from the atomic lattice level to the final acoustic waveform emitted by an underwater projector.
Our customers range from prime defense contractors to naval labs and advanced marine research teams. Some customers purchase only the ceramic, custom-shaped to exacting frequency, sensitivity, and depth specifications. Others rely on us to build the next-higher-level assembly or entire transducer, so their engineers can focus on system-level performance. We can manufacture build-to-print or build-to-spec transducers and deliver a plug-and-play acoustic component.
Military heritage meets modern innovation
Our heritage is military, and our systems perform as such — without compromise. We have a dedicated design and manufacturing engineering team for marine defense products. Whether you're building the next generation of undersea warfare technology or looking to modernize legacy systems, we can help you meet your goals with proven, reliable acoustic sensing technology and sonar components. We bring continuous improvement and automation to industrialize the manufacturing process and reduce cost.
Deep Military Roots Since 1960
Founded by former staff of the David Taylor Naval Research Center, now the Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Wilcoxon has been at the forefront of underwater defense technology for over 60 years. Our engineers introduced key breakthroughs, including the first commercially available underwater accelerometers and vector sensors. From Cold War-era sonar systems to next-gen UUVs, Wilcoxon sensors have helped protect and modernize fleets for decades.
Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies advanced sensing technology products include:
Why Wilcoxon?
Made in the USA
Our work supports sensitive and classified defense programs with strict quality and traceability standards.
Custom solutions
Every program is unique—and so are our solutions.
Flexible engagement
We support you where it makes sense. For some customers, that’s just the ceramic material. For other customers, we build the full sensor or even sub-assemblies.
Focused on defense
Our engineering team is dedicated to naval and marine defense systems.
Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies—American-made performance that runs deep.
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Sensing technologies
Vector sensors
Vector sensors measure the acoustic pressure and particle acceleration in three orthogonal axes. Four sensing elements, located in a single housing with a common acoustic phase center, combine to produce a cardioid directivity pattern which provides approximately 4.8 dB improvement in the signal to noise ratio over a traditional omni-directional pressure sensor. In addition, engineering sensors are embedded within the housing and, when combined with acoustic sensors, can provide a bearing to the target.
Features
- 3 orthogonal axis accelerometers and 1 omni-directional hydrophone
- Preamplifier and differential output
- Pitch and roll
- Heading
- Micro-controller with comm link
- Optional integral mounts for direct integration into platforms, with side exit or bottom exit connector
Typical applications
- Harbor and inlet security
- Homeland security
- Military surveillance
- Towed arrays
- Stationary arrays
- Underwater monitoring stations
- Sonobuoys
- Underwater acoustic research
- Marine wildlife monitoring
- Oil and gas exploration
Vector sensor specification sheets
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