Objective  As there is still no complete set of rules regarding the general engineering design process for towed array sonar system installation aboard a submarine, it is necessary to analyze approaches to the overall engineering design of the system and systematically ascertain the key points.

  Methods  On the basis of a literature review, this paper carries out an in-depth analysis of the aforementioned issue in terms of the sensor system and retraction/release system respectively, covering design scheme selection (i.e., number of towed array sonars, types of sensing element and length of towed cable-array) and device design (i.e., winch, spooling gear, conduit, driving mode and release port location).

  Results  This review derives the basic process and method of engineering design and computational formulae (i.e., calculation of cable array’s length) for a towed array sonar installation adaptable to a submarine.

  Conclusions  Through striking a good balance of desirable properties and trading-off among many elements while considering the actual state of the submarine and the technical characteristics of towed array sonar hardware, submarine designers can flexibly use the relevant engineering design points discussed in this paper to achieve optimal installation schemes.