Helicopter navigation algorithms for the placement of sonobuoys in an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) environment

Navigation algorithms needed to accomplish the deployment of sonobuoys are discussed. A simulation computer program was written to implement the algorithms that is flexible enough to allow for development of current and future sonobuoys. The primary goal of the algorithms is to provide maximum outer-zone coverage, so that acoustic signals emanating from the 1990s ASW threat can be detected by a multisensor sonobuoy screen. Precise deployment is accomplished by using the algorithms in conjunction with the Doppler navigation radar and the satellite global positioning system hardware planned for the SV-22 aircraft. Deployment of sonobuoys by the SV-22 extends the outer zone of defense