Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT)
Temperature profiles and computed
sound velocity data obtained by the
XBT are used by ASW operators to
identify the impact of temperature on
sonar propagation and acoustic range
prediction. The XBT also provides
a quick and inexpensive means of
collecting temperature data for
oceanographic and geophysical studies.
The XBT contains a precision
thermistor located in the nose of the
probe. Changes in water temperature
are recorded by changes in the resistance
of the thermistor as the XBT falls
through the water. The XBT is capable
of temperature accuracies of +0.1°C.