Development of a SACLANTCEN MCM sonar performance model

Abstract

The report describes the Mine Countermeasures Sonar Performance

Model used at SACLANTCEN. This model is based on the environmental model SEARAY and uses ray tracing techniques. It determines sound paths in a horizontally stratified water column, computes signal-to-noise ratio along these paths and draws signal-to-noise contour curves. The model is range independent. and assumes a flat bottom with a single sound speed profile. Examples of the impact of the environmental parameters on sonar performance are provided. This report includes comparisons between high frequency environmental sub-models (attenuation, bottom or surface reverberation). Comparisons, using simple examples, between SEARAY and other sonar performance models (MOCASSIN, GSM, HFEAM) are also included.