Naval Torpedo Defense Systems
Naval Torpedo Defense Systems
Abstract:
Protecting war ships from torpedo attack is considered as the most challenging task in
Anti-Submarine Warfare. Torpedo Defence System (TDS) is an essential fitment on mod-
ern high value platforms. Timely detection and identification of a torpedo attack is the
primary function of a TDS. Localisation and countermeasures against the weapon are
the next stage in torpedo defence. Detection of modern torpedoes with long endurance
can only be achieved using an underwater sensor suit with wide frequency coverage.
Tactical use of multiple counter measures is essential for evading an attacking torpedo
with intelligent homing mechanism. Individual sensors and counter measures are no
longer considered as a solution; they are rather considered as components of a large
network of systems to protect the platform from torpedo attack. A System of Systems
(SOS) architecture with multiple sensors, processing techniques, countermeasures and
tactics are presented in this paper for achieving fail-safe torpedo defence capability.
Keywords:
systems engineering, system of systems, requirement analysis, torpedo defence system
1. Introduction
‘Torpedo’ remains one of the oldest and deadliest weapons in naval warfare against
both surface and submarine targets. Depending on the size, torpedoes are classified as
heavy-weight and light-weight torpedoes. The older torpedoes use gyroscopic guid-
ance for either straight running or pattern running. However, the modern torpedoes
rely on acoustics for homing and attacking a target. Torpedo defence is a major area of
concern for both surface ships and submarines. The defence against any underwater
threat is mainly achieved through Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, which
is a complex series of operations executed by a surface platform with the aim of de-
*
Corresponding author: Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Thrikkakara P.O.,
Kochi-682021, Kerala, India. E-mail: jomong@npol.drdo.in
308 G. Jomon, J.V. Jojish and T. Santhanakrishnan
tecting and neutralizing the hostile submarines before they launch the weapons, mainly
torpedoes. In spite of the available advanced ASW systems, it should be taken into
consideration that nowadays, in shallow waters, the hostile submarines are likely to
succeed very often in launching their torpedoes before they are detected by the ASW
units [1]. Hence, present day maritime warfare requires systems that can directly en-
gage the attacking torpedo.
The two essential functionalities of a torpedo defence system are to detect the
torpedo and to help the platform to evade its attack. There are two approaches for the
latter task: one is hard-kill and the other is soft-kill. In hard-kill, the attacking torpedo
is destroyed by another torpedo, which is an anti-torpedo torpedo. In soft-kill, the
torpedo is lured away from the platform and its trajectory is controlled using decoys
till its battery-life gets exhausted. The soft-kill method is generally done in a layered
manner wherein the responsibility to defend the torpedo is passed on to different lay-
ers. Detection, tracking and classification of torpedo targets is the first step in torpedo
defence. Identification of the torpedo threat parameter is the next step. Executing es-
cape manoeuvre and tactical deployment of available countermeasures are the final
steps in torpedo defence.
Torpedoes work either in passive, active or mixed modes. In active homing, the
acquisition range is generally set by its ping rate. The general detection process is an
energy detection and modern torpedoes do have correlators and FFT processing [2].
Passive homing is more effective against surface ships because surface ships create
considerable noise due to propulsion. Passive homing torpedoes are more effective
against surface targets, however, they are not effective against submerged diesel elec-
tric submarines. The torpedo homing frequencies are generally in the high frequency
band because of the size limitations of the torpedo homing head. They use variable
pulse widths and multiple transmission waveforms.
Torpedoes usually follow helical pattern search. Torpedoes are limited by their
frequency of operation due to their small size as compared to the targets. Both active
and passive homing ranges are restricted by their operating frequency. To compensate
for these short ranges, wire guidance is used for extending the range. Modern torpe-
does have two-way wire communication with the torpedo fire control system.
Torpedo attack is a covert operation. Modern heavy-weight torpedoes attack
a ship either in autonomous or wire-guided mode. Torpedoes always run at higher
speeds compared to ships or submarines. Protecting war ships from torpedo attack is
considered as the most challenging task in Anti-Submarine Warfare. The main func-
tions of a Torpedo Defence System (TDS) are to detect, localize and to take evasive
and counter actions against an attacking torpedo [3]. Typical configuration of a torpe-
do defence system for surface ships is shown in Fig. 1.
System engineering practices are followed in developing defence systems. Sys-
tem Engineering is a robust approach to the design, creation, and operation of systems
[4, 5]. TDS is a complex system, which can be considered as a unique model of Sys-
tem of Systems (SOS). A system of systems is an arrangement of set of systems that
are heterogeneous and independently operable on their own but are networked together
for achieving unique capabilities. Both individual systems and SOS conform to the
accepted definition of a system in which each consists of parts, relationships, and
a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts [6]. SOS architecture is capable of
achieving operational capability beyond the level on which the systems can provide it
independently. This will demand more information sharing between systems and in-
System of Systems Architecture for Generic Torpedo Defence
309
System for Surface Ships
tern certain design modifications of systems. SOS architecture should include the fol-
lowing details:
• concept of operation: How the system is going to be operated by users during
an operational scenario,
• system details including data flow and functional information,
• end to end functionality with communications protocols.
Receiver Array
Hull mounted
array
Expendable
Decoy Towed Decoy
sensor suite is used that has a full 360° coverage and has got sufficiently long detection
ranges under different sonic layer conditions. This means that hull-mounted sonar
combined with a variable depth towed array will be required to meet various operating
scenarios.
Torpedo
Localisation
Torpedo
Torpedo
Counter
Classification
Measures
Target
Detection
ing to the radiated noise of the target by the passive sonar. The passive sonar has inter-
cept modes also to detect transmissions if any. Following that submarine can use its
active sonar, however, by operating it, the submarine compromises itself.
For obtaining the Fire Control Solution (FCS), the following sequence is carried
out by the submarine. The target is first detected, and then classified. The target mo-
tion parameters are obtained by carrying out certain manoeuvers which will give the
required parameters of the target, namely, bearing, range, course and speed. It will
then select a suitable weapon, most probably a torpedo, and it will attack the target as
per FCS recommendations. Thereafter, it has to get away to a safe location.
Torpedo defence systems typically follow the principle of layered defence which
utilizes detection, classification, localization, workout escape tactics and deployment
of countermeasures. The detection system is further divided into outer and inner layer
defence with respect to the ranges of detection. TDS should be capable of detecting all
the targets around the platform under all operating scenarios. Long-range detection
including left-right ambiguity resolution can use a towed array sonar, whereas the
hull-mounted sonar helps detect a torpedo at closer ranges and also from the head
sector [9, 10].
Unlike conventional ASW where target is persistent, in torpedo systems, the tar-
get appears suddenly and is alive for very short time, either achieving its mission or
failing. This demands that instead of operator detecting torpedo, the system has to
detect it automatically. Robust torpedo classification algorithms with very low false
alarm rate is necessary to ensure operator’s confidence and to conserve countermeas-
ures expenditure.
Torpedo detection is achieved typically using passive sonars. Passive sonars can
provide only the target bearing information. Complex TMA algorithms are essential
for localising the target from its bearing only information. Own ship manoeuvring is
essential for computing target motion parameters. But, there are restrictions in own
ship manoeuvring due to operational and safety reasons. Robust TMA algorithms are
essential for calculating target parameters with minimum own ship manoeuvre. The
TMA algorithms should accurately localise the attacking torpedo by computing its
course, range and speed.
Threat analysis is another important requirement of a TDS. Threat analysis sys-
tem assesses all possible threats in the vicinity and it assigns a threat priority level for
all the targets [11]. The system will recommend a course to steer, as well as a coun-
termeasure deployment to maximise escape probability. The system recommends
possible escape manoeuvres and tactics to deploy expendable and towed decoys. De-
ployment of hard-kill systems also will be recommended by the system.
Once detected, the inner layer of defence is achieved by acoustic counter
measures [12, 13]. Towed acoustic decoy and expendable decoys are having a unique
capability of seducing active and passive homing torpedoes. The towed acoustic decoy
is a programmable decoy enabling the ship to transmit any type of signature including
continuous wave, modulated waveforms, broad band noise, narrow band noise and any
kind of amplitude modulation enabling deception of modern light and heavy-weight
torpedoes. Also, the decoy carries intercept sensors, which can detect active transmis-
sions from torpedo. The decoy can function in multiple modes, namely the echo
repeater, broadband jammer and in autonomous mode. Hard-kill systems can also be
used for evading a torpedo attack. Sequence of operations of a generic TDS system is
described in Fig. 3.
312 G. Jomon, J.V. Jojish and T. Santhanakrishnan
NO
Is it a torpedo?
YES
4. Requirement Analysis
Translating user requirements to system specifications is an essential stage during
system design phase [14, 15]. Many rounds of interactions and iterations are essential
for capturing the user requirements. The mapping of high-level user requirements to
system specifications forms the foundation for building the system capability. Systems
engineering describes the system requirements as operational, functional and physical
requirements [16].
contact with sea water. Launch systems are winch and handling systems for launch and
retrieval of wet end systems. Onboard electronics houses the processing and display
subsystems for processing sensor data and displaying the results. Acoustic decoys and
anti-torpedo rockets are launched from pneumatically controlled launchers for defend-
ing torpedo attack.
Onboard Counter
Wet end systems Launch systems electronics measures
Signal
Hull Mounted Processor
Array
Power
Amplifier
Flank Array
Ship
navigational Recorders
sensors
Non Acoustic
Sensors
5.1. Acoustic and Non-acoustic Sensors for Torpedo Detection, Tracking and Clas-
sification
TDS essentially requires different types of sensors for effective torpedo detection
under various operating conditions. The major considerations while selecting the sen-
sors are its operating band, depth of operation and possibility of positioning it away
from self-noise. The following five types of sensors are essentially used in TDS:
• hull-mounted array,
System of Systems Architecture for Generic Torpedo Defence
315
System for Surface Ships
• towed array,
• intercept array,
• flank array,
• non-acoustic sensors.
Counter Measures
1. Acoustic Towed
Sensors
Decoy
1. Hull mounted Sonar
2. Acoustic Expendable
2. Towed Array Sonar
Decoys
3. Intercept Sonar
3. Decoys against wake
4. Flank Array sonar
homers
5. Non Acoustic
4. Mobile Decoys
Sensors
5. Hardkill rockets
6. Counter attack on
enemy platform
information will be used by tactics processor for evaluating the threat and to workout
escape tactics. Based on the recommendations of the tactics processor, Command and
Control Unit will deploy suitable counter-measure to evade torpedo attack. Command
and Control Unit is getting inputs directly from all the systems. If the normal data flow
is affected due to malfunctioning of any of the participating systems, Command and
Control Unit will get available data through alternate route. Standard communication
protocols are proposed here to ensure future system growth by adding more systems
and for smooth future upgradations.
Sensors
Target Parameters
Information Processor
Torpedo motion
parameters
Tactics Processor
Recommendations on Deployment of
tactics counter measures
Counter
Counter measures
Measures
8. Conclusion
An SOS architecture for TDS system is presented in this paper. TDS system based on
this architecture is capable of defending any potential torpedo attack on a surface plat-
form. This system is capable of detecting and tracking of all types of torpedoes and
decoying acoustic and wake homing torpedoes. TDS is a mission critical system. Ro-
bustness of the system is paramount. SOS architecture ensures redundancy for all
critical functions. The uniquely distributed communication network with a central
Command and Control Unit makes the system more robust against failures. A consor-
tium of sensors and countermeasure systems working with synergy under common
command and guidance system is the main advantage of SOS architecture. Coordina-
tion of geographically distributed and functionally independent systems for achieving
the most difficult task with perfection is achievable though this architecture. TDS with
SOS architecture is an essential fitment onboard all high-value platforms. Independent
systems without centralised command and control system are not appropriate to defend
surface ships against the threat from modern intelligent torpedoes.
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