Research for ASUW

Examines the problem of target localization based solely upon bearing information obtained by a single platform over short observation times. A number of Monte Carlo and analytical techniques for the construction of statistical distributions of target ranges are presented and compared.

This Research Contribution describes a methodology for assessing enemy ability to trail friendly ships at sea. It consists of four parts. The first part treats the search for a lost quarry by shipborne helicopter or long-range reconnaissance aircraft. The second describes a Markov model yielding the fraction of time the ship is free of trail. The third part estimates enemy aircraft requirements to achieve specific search results. The last part presents and documents an APL program, TRAIL, that performs all required calculations.

The effectiveness and costs of hydrofoil craft with those of conventional Coast Guard platforms, including cutter/helicopter teams, in the performance of the fisheries law enforcement mission are compared. The comparisons are made for various fisheries law enforcement tasks considered independently of one another and of geographic considerations, and also in two specific geographic scenarios, in waters off New England and Alaska, where each platform is required to perform a specific set of tasks. The study also investigates the degree to which hydrofoils, engaged in a primary fisheries law enforcement role, could contribute to the search and rescue (SAR) mission without undue detraction from their primary role.

A computer model was developed to aid in studying naval war scenarios in which anti-shipping operations are the main consideration. Performance of the forces involved is specified by probabilities of carrying out assigned missions, such as penetrating escort screens and attacking convoyed shipping. The model calculates expected values of the losses suffered by these forces. The model programming and inputs are designed to cover a wide range of problems.