Effectiveness of the distributed sensor concept for underwater detection

This paper discusses two approaches to shallow water surveillance-a system of distributed sensors and conventional line barriers. Analytical models are developed to compare the two approaches on the basis of probability of detection performance versus number of sensors required. Sensor range and cost are critical factors for the distributed system. Applications for offshore U.S. facilities, foreign sales, and deep water surveillance augmentation depend on achieving a low cost system with adequate range. Useful applications for distributed sensor systems consisting of elementary sensors occur when surveillance of an open area against noisy targets is required and use of sophisticated acoustic array techniques is too expensive or restricted. While distributed sensor systems are preferred in open area situations or where large near shore areas must be defended, barrier systems are preferred at choke points whose geometry defines a natural line barrier.