Ever wonder what the Floating Shed in the bedford Basin Is?
From BIO:
The DRDC Atlantic Acoustic Calibration Barge is located in Bedford
Basin, about 5 km by water from DRDC Atlantic. The main function of the
Barge is to conduct acoustic calibrations of sonar transducers such as
hydrophones and projectors, in a free field salt water environment. It
is also used to test and evaluate many other types of sea-going
scientific apparatus and military equipment. The chief customers are
DRDC Atlantic defence scientists, the Canadian Forces, other government
departments and Canadian industry. It is equipped like a combined
floating laboratory and workshop. The 300 tonne barge is 36 metres long
by 17 metres wide. The main working area is covered by an enclosed
heated deckhouse 30 metres by 13 metres, which allows calibrations to be
performed year round. The hull contains a rectangular well 18 metres by
9 metres through which equipment under test can be lowered into the
water. The barge is moored 1 kilometre from the nearest shore in a water
depth of 42 metres. A 10 tonne crane is fitted to the outside deck for
unloading equipment and a 5 tonne travelling crane is used to position
apparatus over the well. Rotating stations with capacities up to 7
tonnes are available to position sonar transducers at any required
orientation and depth.
CFAV Quest also takes part in this reasearch. from DRDC:
the research, development and testing of the systems needed by the
Canadian Navy to maintain a state of readiness for maritime warfare
often requires that the laboratory be transported to the field so that
the work can be performed under “real world” conditions.
To this end, Defence R&D Canada — Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic)
employs the Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel Quest. Maintained by the
Navy and manned by Maritime Forces Atlantic Auxiliary seamen, Quest
conducts 7 to 10 trials per year, spending up to 160 days at sea.
These trials encompass a wide range of R&D activity, from
research on the acoustic properties of the ocean to experiments on ship
signatures and safety. As well, the evaluation of prototype acoustic
detection systems is often the first step in the process leading to
procurement of new systems for the Navy.
This broad range of R&D activities requires a capable and
versatile vessel; thus, Quest was designed with spacious laboratories,
large working deck areas, and very capable marine cranes and specialized
equipment handling systems.
The vessel was designed with a large margin of stability and this,
combined with its roll–stabilization system and constant displacement
systems, makes Quest a safe and stable platform from which to carry out
experiments, even in heavy seas.
Of particular note are the acoustic quieting features of the vessel,
which reduce the ship’s radiated noise to virtually undetectable levels
when the vessel is configured in its “quiet state”.
Quest has conducted research in support of other government
departments, universities and Canadian industry, where joint research is
mutually beneficial. Quest has participated in Canadian and NATO naval
exercises requiring the operational evaluation of prototype equipment.