Function Analysis of AN/SQS-510 Hull Mounted Sonar

This report provides the results of a function analysis of the ANSQS-510 Hull Mounted Sonar deployed on Halifax class ships. The analysis was based upon available system and Navy training documentation and interviews with Defence Scientist and Navy subject matter experts. The analysis revealed a high degree of dependency among a number of critical functions whose accurate completion is required for the successful detection and classification of contacts of interest. These functions included the determination of the oceanographic model, the appropriate configuration of transmission parameters and the correct selection and use of display modes on the operators console. The validation interviews also revealed that automated processes for detection were generally not used under operational conditions because of high false alarm rates and associated increases in operator workload. The present analysis should be interpreted in conjunction with an earlier report that provided an updated function analysis of the CANT ASS system.