Evaluation of Environmental Degradation of a Surface Ship'S Sonar Performance

摘要

The operational effectiveness of a surface ship's echo-ranging sonar is discussed, including limitations of equipment and environmental constraints. Methods are developed for estimating sonar range and the probability of detection, on a 'one-ping' basis. Range and sweep rate are determined for conditions when one or more successful pings are needed for positive detection. The environmental degradation which results from emergence of the transducer in a seaway is explored by specific calculations for two hypothetical destroyer designs, fitted with sonar equipment of selected characteristics, in various sea spectra and at different ship speeds. A long term measure of operability is evaluated, indicating only slight sonar degradation from rough seas unless serious reverberation from the sea surface is experienced. (Author)