Abstract:

Over the last decade, several changes both domestically and world-wide have caused a shift in the way underwater range systems need to be designed and developed. These changes include a decline in resources (funding) available for the systems, and a shift in the world military threat from a super power in the open ocean to a variety of threats in littoral environments. As a result of these changes, new challenges---many of them directly related to acoustic issues---are presented to the designers of underwater range systems that are utilized for both tactical training and T&E. This briefing will outline the requirements for the new range systems and present the challenges that need to be met along with the associated acoustic issues. This briefing will serve as a frame work for other presentations that will follow in this session.