Effectiveness of a mine-avoidance sensor on minefield transit

Abstract

Simulation is used to study the effectiveness of mine avoidance sonar (MAS) use on safe minefield transit by a ship. A MAS is able to detect mine-like objects but currently cannot classify the detected object as a mine or a non-mine mine-like bottom object (nombo). The tactic is to avoid all detected objects. The minefield is represented by a finite grid of fixed width and length. The representation of ship maneuvering in the simulation is similar to that of a wall tracing algorithm for a computer mouse going through a maze. The simulation results indicate that the use of the mine avoidance sonars can increase the probability of successful transit. The probability of successful transit increases as the probability of detection increases for minefield object densities less than 50% of the field. However, the probability of successful transit is sensitive to the mine and NOMBO (NOn-mine Mine-like Bottom Object) density. The probability of successful transit can be increased if the density of mine-like objects is decreased. Some suggestions on mine avoidance tactics are made from the results obtained to show the limitations and effectiveness of the MAS with regards to the open waters, narrow channels, ports and harbors.