Fast Propagation Modeling for Multi-static Sonars

The US Navy's new DD(X) destroyer, currently under design, is expected to serve not only as an independent battlespace resource but also as a hub of a network of environmental sensors and sonar platforms. In this role, the DD(X) crew is responsible for deciding the distribution of assets needed to best accomplish the objectives of the current mission. Due to the environmental sensitivity of multi-static systems, an accurate numerical solution in support of multi-static planning often cannot be accomplished in a timely manner with onboard computing assets. In this proposal, a method is outlined to provide an extremely fast and robust simulation capability to allow a better characterization of the acoustic propagation in the local area. An accurate, real-time model is essential to enable optimum placement and processing of multi-static offboard sensors in challenging operational areas. The method innovatively combines several approximations and efficiency gains that are individually described in the open literature and applied by entities such as NATO and NRL. The tool represents all major features of the propagation, including range dependence, attenuation and waveguide Doppler shifts for the source, target and receiver, and is able to evolve in time as the situational awareness evolves.