Autonomous-agent based simulation of anti-submarine warfare operations with the goal of protecting a high value unit

Abstract

The Anti-Submarine Warfare screen design simulation is a program that provides a model for operations in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The purpose of the program is to aid ASW commanders, allowing them to configure an ASW screen, including the sonar policy, convoy speed, and the number of ships, to gain insight into how these and other factors beyond their control, such as water conditions, impact ASW effectiveness. It is also designed to be used as a training tool for ASW officers. The program is implemented in Java programming language, using the Multi Agent System (MAS) technique. The simulation interface is a Horizontal Display Center (HDC) which is very similar to a MEKO200 class Frigate Combat Information Center's (CIC) HDC. The program uses Extensible Markup Language (XML) files for reading data for program scenarios; parameters are initialized before each run time begins. The simulation also provides all the output data at the end of run time for analysis purposes. The program user's goal, and the purpose of the program, is to decrease the number of successful attacks against surface vessels by changing the configuration parameters of the ASW screen, to reflect sonar policy, convoy speed or number of ships in the simulation. Ongoing use of the program can provide data needed to anticipate required operational needs in future ASW situations.