Passive ASW

Question 1

What is a jig point

Answer 1

A fixed geographical position established by maritime headquarters for each sortie, It is the intended drop position of the first buoy (Kingpin) of each search pattern. Any change to the kingpin position will be passed as a range and bearing from the jig point or as a lat and long of the new kingpin position.

Question 2

What is a kingpin

Answer 2

The master buoy position on which a barrier or a field is orientated. The kingpin will normally be the end buoy of a barrier or the corner buoy of a field- 3K Kingpin

Question 3

Sonobouy patterns

Answer 3

Localising : Field
Barrier : Ahead, Flank, De-lousing, Protective
Tracking : Bucket, Chevron, Wedge

Question 4

What is a barrier

Answer 4

A straight line of equally spaced buoys. It is ordered by buoy spacing and a true bearing from the kingpin buoy. This bearing is also termed the “Road” of the barrier

Question 5

Sonobuoy Dropping rules

Answer 5

When aircraft or helicopters are dropping sonobuoys a lateral dispersion of 1500 yards must always be enforced to ensure the safety of aircraft operating at lower altitudes

Question 6

Merlin Dropping Rules:

Answer 6

A/C Altitude: Lateral from Helo: Lateral from Ship:
1000ft 2nm 1.5nm
1000-3000ft 3nm 1.5nm
3000ft 5nm 3nm

Question 7

What does SIAP stand for

Answer 7

Sonobuoy interference avoidance plan