China Uses Warship Sounds To Improve Submarine Target Tracking

China has built a database of sound data from warships that can help Chinese submarine crews to re-acquire a surface vessel contact, the ministry of national defence said.

The system was recently tested during a hypothetical confrontation between a submarine and a surface warship in which the target alternated its course and speed to mask its movements.

Chinese sonar operators identified the target by comparing information from the database with the contact’s acoustic characteristics, including its frequency and speed.

The system will enable China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to ensure a sonar contact on a surface vessel underwater.

China Builds Database From Naval Training

The sounds produced by a ship’s propulsion system and machinery can be picked up underwater. These will vary depending on the vessel’s speed, power, and other factors.

Chinese naval personnel have been gathering this information during training exercises, as well as during actual training and field operations.

Rather than being saved by individual sonar operators, this information was compiled into a centralised database by the PLAN.

This database was developed after Chinese sub mariners failed to maintain a contact with another ship during a training exercise.

The high waves masked some sounds from the target vessel, making it challenging to follow, resulting in the loss of the hypothetical battle.

After that, Chinese naval officials worked with various research institutions and equipment manufacturers to create the database, which contains information previously held by sonar operators.

Additionally to information on various targets, the database contains information from exercises, training, and field operations: information on the performance of sonar operators.

Database Tested Against Manoeuvring Warship

The database was later used to test a hypothetical blockade and counter-blockade scenario in which sonar operators used the database to identify contacts.

A Chinese submarine then secretly transited through a simulated air-sea network, launching an attack.

The most recent submarine vs. warship exercise was also used to test the database.

Once again, the target changed course and speed, but Chinese sonar operators were able to re-acquire the target by cross-referencing information from the database with the contact’s characteristics.

The value of the system is not in allowing a submarine to detect a ship from a distance, but in providing information about a fleeting target.

If sonar operators lose contact with a ship, they may be able to cross-reference that information with previous observations to identify the contact.

Possible Impact on U.S. Naval Forces

Submarines may try to follow up on U.S. And allied surface ships operating within the First Island Chain, penetrating their defenses and approaching critical locations.

The defense of such an approach would necessitate extra measures, as well as increased surveillance to detect and destroy intruding submarines.

The U.S. carrier battle groups already have extensive defense systems, including P-8A Poseidon surveillance planes, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, surface ships, and attack submarines.

Additionally, unmanned systems are being integrated into submarine operations. If Chinese submariners could effectively re-acquire the contact, U.S. naval forces would have to devote additional resources to tracking and eliminating them.

Tankers, ammo ships, and other support vessels are required to refuel, resupply, and carry troops and equipment across the Pacific, where they are more vulnerable to attack than front-line warships.

A submarine’s ability to identify a support ship as a target may be critical to distinguishing between it and other traffic.

References: interestingengineering, armyrecognition