An active sonar system for detecting objects in water includes: a transmitter capable of generating and transmitting an acoustic signal having acoustic pressure pulses; a cable extending from the transmitter into the water, the cable including a hose filled with hydraulic fluid receiving the acoustic pressure pulses from the transmitter, a water blocking layer and cable wire; and a winch assembly including a winch drum for deploying and retrieving the cable into and out of water. A flattened hydraulic chamber section of the hose is secured within the winch drum with acoustic transducers mounted on either side of the flattened chamber section, so that the acoustic transducers act as pistons to generate acoustic pressure onto the hydraulic fluid for generation along a length of the cable.