Basic ASW Flashcards
What is the ASW command structure?
OTC
ASW Commander
(SAU) Search and attack unit Commander
Scene of Action Commander (SAC)
SHIPS ASW TEAM: PWO ASWD AcPS LAC
What is a Torpedo Danger Area?
An area which encompasses and extends beyond a submarine contact, threat datum, furthest on circle or area of uncertainty by a distance equal to the threat used by surface forces to maintain safe stand-off distances during ASW prosecutions and submarine avoidance actions.
What is a Torpedo Danger Zone?
An area in which the submarine must enter in order to be within METFR (Maximum effective torpedo firing range)
8,000 yds for a ship
10,000 yds for a force
What is the definition of limited lines of submerged approach (LLSUA)
Mathematically calculated limits related to a force, within which an attacking submarine, knowing the course and speed of the force, must be located in order that it can reach the TDZ in a direct line. LLSUA are used to calculate whether a submarine will be a threat to the force then it is possible to estimate these likely courses to achieve the aim.
Define a DATUM
DATUM is a codeword for the last known “Position of a Submarine or a suspected Submarine once contact has been lost”.
Any unit may establish a DATUM provided they are the last unit to lose contact.
DATUM’s keep the same 4 figure Track Number, and must be established immediately when contact is lost.
What are the 2 types of ASW action?
Close ASW action: One or more ASW units attempt to engage enemy submarine within 8,000yds
Stand-off ASW action: One or more ASW unit attempts to engage an enemy submarine outside 8,000yds
What are the type of contact classifications?
NON SUB - Non-submarine contact
After investigation, a contact that is shown to have characteristics that exclude the possibility that it is a submarine
POSSUB - Possible Submarine contact
A contact on which available information indicates the likely presence of a submarine, but there is insufficient evidence to justify a higher classification. The classification POSSUB must always be amplified by adding an assessment of the confidence level….
Low Confidence - A contact that cannot be regarded as NONSUB and requires further investigation. This may be further amplified using the grades 1 and 2
High Confidence - A contact that from the evidence available is firmly believed to be a submarine, but does not meet the criteria established for PROBSUB. This may be further amplified by the numbers 3 and 4
PROBSUB - Probable submarine contact
A contact that displays strong cumulative evidence of being a submarine (Held on more that 2 sensors)
CERTSUB - A contact that has been sighted and positively identified as a submarine.
Name the 4 DATUM approach methods
Direct
Offset
Intercept
Mixed
What are the 2 Types of ASW action
Close - One or more ASW units attempt to engage an enemy submarine within 8,000 yds
Stand-off - One or more ASW unit attempts to engage an enemy submarine outside of 8,000 yds
What is Plan Cordon
Can be either red or black
Sector zero - 3,000 yds
Ships remain outside sector 0 unless cleared to enter
8 sectors of 45 degree numbered 1-8
Plan orientated North
Ships are not to manoeuvre within 500yds of sector boundaries in order to prevent mutual interference.
