Multi-platform operations in the Underwater Warfare Testbed (UWT)

More than a decade ago, the long-term NATO scientific study “Maritime Operations in 2015” (MO 2015) identified the so-called multi-platform and co-operative multi-static Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) concept, involving co-operative sonar data exchange between surface ships and submarines. Several studies have since shown the benefits of multi-platform and multi-static operations. To facilitate our studies and the development of tactics in the near future, TNO Defence, Security and Safety started the development of the Underwater Warfare Testbed (UWT). This testbed integrates the simulation models TDSTB (Torpedo Defence System TestBed) and MUST (MUltiSTatic facility tool) and ALMOST (Acoustic Loss Model for Operational Studies and Tasks). This paper presents the architecture and the applications of the Underwater Warfare Testbed. In this testbed all relevant UWW assets, including vessels with sonars, helicopters with dipping sonars, and also enemy submarines (with their sonars and weapons) are modelled. Each platform can use its own predefined tactics to operate alone or in task group formations. The model simulates the kinematics, communication and detailed acoustics signal levels (passive, active mono-static and bi-static, and intercept sonars) using the acoustic propagation and sonar performance model ALMOST. Within a simulation all systems will interact with each other. Simulated received signal levels are used to generate contacts and false targets for the tracker. The Detection, Classification and Localisation algorithms of the sonars can be modelled with high-fidelity and multi-resolution. This enables detailed runs and Monte-Carlo runs as well. The Underwater Warfare Testbed is used to evaluate operational tactics and future concepts for UWW. It is also applicable to develop submarine tactics operating in areas with multi-static sonar. The simulations in the UWT give the Royal Netherlands Navy valuable performance information for their operations. Therefore, it is also a useful tool for educational and training purposes.