Clyde Noise Ranges
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Loch Goil and Loch Fyne, Clyde Estuary, Scotland

Principal Functions
Complete noise ranging service including trials, data analysis, interpretation of results and diagnostics.

Subsidiary Functions
Reporting and recommendations for remedial action.

General Details
The underwater experimental area in Loch Goil covers the upper half of the Loch, an area of approximately 0.5km² in the centre of the Loch and a depth of water of 82m. The range in Loch Fyne is approximately 5km by 1km with a depth of 140m. Both range areas are sheltered from the prevailing winds by the surrounding hills and are shielded from distant shipping noise in the Firth of Clyde by the gently curving shape of both Lochs. Ambient acoustic noise levels are usually between 60dB reference 1FPa and 70dBFPa measured in a octave bands.

Specification
The Clyde Noise Ranges are facilities for measuring the radiated acoustic signatures of surface and subsurface vessels. Loch Goil is primarily a static range and is configured with hydrophones nominally spaced evenly around the vessel and a further hydrophone on the seabed. Loch Fyne is an underway range configured with hydrophones covering each target aspect, DGPS and acoustic tracking and communications. It is able to accommodate surface vessels up to 20kts and submerged vessels up to 14kts. Both range areas which provide deep, quiet instrumented water space, are available for a variety of acoustic trials.

Special Features
The ranges are staffed 24 hours/day, 365 days/year by a team of 31 multi-disciplinary personnel. The self-contained Range Terminal complex at Loch Goil consists of the Range control room, staff offices, conference facilities, workshops, stores and a jetty. The Range runs its own vehicles and boats to support logistic requirements.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. No advance notice is necessary for requesting time on the facility. Time is allocated by the day.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation, there is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Rod Waldron, Business Development Manager (Sea Ranges)
Building 264
DERA Fraser
Eastney
Hants
P04 9LJ
Telephone:  023 9233 4591 Fax:  023 9233 4545
E-mail:  rwaldron@dera.gov.uk