Simulation of Operations in the Underwater Warfare Testbed (UWT)

Surface vessels and submarines must be able to defend themselves against a torpedo attack. Several studies have shown the benefits of multi-platform and multi-static operations. To facilitate torpedo defence system studies and the development of future tactics, 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), MUST (MUltiSTatic facility tool) and ALMOST (Acoustic Loss Model for Operational Studies and Tasks). The testbed models all relevant UWW assets, including vessels with sonars, helicopters with dipping sonars, and also enemy submarines (with their sonars and weapons). Each platform can use its own predefined tactics to operate alone or in task group formations. The UWT 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 operational planning. In addition, it is also a useful tool for educational and training purposes. The authors will present the architecture and the applications of the Underwater Warfare Testbed.