Reliability growth for expendable mobile ASW training target (EMATT): a 1-shot device

The expendable mobile antisubmarine warfare (ASW) training target (EMATT) is an open-ocean one-shot expendable target used by the US Navy in simulated combat missions. EMATT is deployed either from surface vessels or from the air. Prototype models were subjected to in-water field tests at the US Navy´s Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) at Andros Island in the Bahamas. While these tests validated EMATT´s design approach, the numerical reliability level achieved was too low, resulting in significant design modifications, including a revised layout of the signal processor, change to surface-mounted devices in the guidance and control system, new mechanical packaging of the electronics, implementation of a built-in test capability, and changeover from hand crafting of mechanical components to factory tooling for a high rate of production. Problems encountered and resulting design improvements are summarized