Cumulative Track-Initiation Probability as a Basis for Assessing Sonar-System Performance in Anti-Submarine Warfare

Abstract

Calculations of sonar-system performance for anti-submarine warfare yield detection probability as a function of range to the target; whereas sonar operators typically think in terms of a 'detection range'. This Note considers how to connect these two concepts for active sonar. Four types of probability are explored and their relative advantages teased out in the light of realworld examples. It is concluded that cumulative probability of track initiation provides the most practical route to a definition of detection range, for two reasons. First, unlike detection probability as usually computed, it produces values that operators are likely to regard as believable. Secondly, it reflects more closely than the standard detection probability the steps that operators typically go through in deciding to declare a detection.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA525325

Entities

People

  • J. M. Thredgold
  • M. P. Fewell

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Active Sonar
  • Air Defense
  • Ambient Noise
  • Antisubmarine Warfare
  • Australia
  • Bottom Bounce
  • Convergence Zones (Sonar)
  • Data Association
  • Data Fusion
  • Detection
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Operations
  • Ships
  • Sonar
  • Submarine Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Statistical inference.
  • Systems Analysis and Design