Acoustic Detection, Communication, and Signal Processing Requirements for the Optional Deployment of SSBNs in the Poseidon-X Mode in Shallow Ocean Waters

Abstract

A “grey” and rapidly deployable supporting fourth leg of the strategic triad, called Poseidon-X, is proposed to fill an empty slot in the NATO defense system for the next decade. It involves deploying five SSBNs at any given time in two shallow regions off the cost of Western Europe each with a surface area of 5000 km² and depths of 45–80 m. It also involves placing a grid of sonic sources with characteristic spacing of 500 m in fixed and accurately known positions on the sea floor spanning the entire deployment area in order to provide the SSNBs on station with 1) a sonic noise cover, 2) a reference grid for accurate navigation, 3) a sonic receiving communication channel, and 4) means of near-range detection of submarines and surface ships without the use of active Sonar.

This work was initiated during a guest scholarship, Foreign Policy Studies program, The Brookings Institution, Washington, DC.