Mission Analysis Support for USCG International Ice Patrol.
Abstract
This report summarizes the Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis (COEA) of feasible new alternatives in management, technology and operations for the International Ice Patrol (IIP). Alternatives were restricted to existing technology and proven and acceptable management procedures. Existing and planned satellite-based surveillance systems will have little value for detecting medium and small sized icebergs, the most dangerous ones to shipping. A more powerful modern computer and data processing system will provide the capacity required for IIP to reliably track an increased number of icebergs and more accurately forecast the ice limits. Failure to upgrade the APS-135 SLAR (Side Looking Airborne Radar) with a new digital processor incurs considerable cost and performance risk. IIP would have to fly approximately 200 additional hours ($890,000) with a less capable radar to achieve the same level of mission performance. The new processor may reduce flying hours considerably if it allows the full SLAR sweepwidth of 84 NM to be used for searching. IIP is well run, from both an operations and program management standpoint. Actual costs of operating the IIP program have been under-reported in the past. All costs that were anributable to the IIP program, such as administrative costs, were not identified. Aircraft surveillance is the major component (approximately 75%) of the total program cost ot the International Ice Patrol. The majority of reported costs for IIP are being recovered from the contributing SOLAS signatory nations. Ice Services Branch, Environment Canada provided cost estimates for Canadian management and operation of the IIP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA304395
Entities
People
- Clark W. Pritchett
- Robert L. Armacost
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center