Previously part of Channel Technollogies, in April 2008, Harris Acoustic Products was acquired by Ultra Electronucs, Harris specialises in the design, supply and support of submarine acoustic transducers and arrays. The transducers create the acoustic pulse, or 'sonar ping', in the water and receive the resulting echo return from potential targets. Multiple transducers are assembled by Harris into arrays to allow higher power acoustic pings and an improved directional capability of the sonar system. Ultra's existing Ocean Systems business, based in Braintree, MA also supplies underwater acoustic transducers and arrays and is located about 20 miles away. Harris became part of the Ocean Systems business. Harris supplies a range of transducers and sensors installed in the Virginia class of nuclear submarine, which is in series production for the US Navy by Electric Boat, a General Dynamics business. Harris transducers are also broadly used in mine hunting sonar systems.
