A thermal sensor system is provided in combination with a maneuverable vehicle,
particularly in an underwater application. The system includes a transport pipe
having an intake and output for the passage of seawater. A thermal sensor is connected
to the transport pipe for detecting an actual temperature of seawater within the
transport pipe. Sensor electronics are provided in connection with the thermal
sensor, the sensor electronics conditioning signals output by the thermal sensor.
The selective sampling by the thermal sensor may either be intermittent or continuous
according to system needs. Further, a control device is connected to the sensor
electronics, acoustic equipment and a depth sensor in connection with the maneuverable
vehicle allowing change of the vehicle's course in response to these inputs.
