SECTION 5

TRAINING

Section 5: Training 5-1

5: TRAINING ..............................................................................................5-3
SONAR SCHOOL .................................................................................5-3
SONAR ........................................................................... 5-3
Passive Sonar 5-3
Active Sonar 5-3
High Frequency Active Sonar 5-4
ACOUSTIC SIGNALS ......................................................... 5-5
Signal Strength 5-5
Noise 5-5
Broadband Signals 5-5
Narrowband Signals 5-6
UNDERWATER SOUND PROPAGATION ................................ 5-6
Thermal Layers 5-7
Sound Speed Profile (SSP) 5-7
Generating a Sound Speed Profile (SSP) 5-8
Utilizing Thermal Layers 5-9
SONAR SYSTEMS ............................................................ 5-9
Towed Arrays 5-10
Surface Ship Hull Sonar 5-10
Submarine Spherical/Cylindrical Bow Arrays 5-10
Submarine Hull/Conformal Arrays 5-10
Submarine Flank Arrays 5-11
Sonobuoys 5-11
Sonobuoys in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters 5-13
Sonobuoy Data Display Windows (Grams) 5-14
Dipping Sonar 5-19
CAVITATION IN SUBMARINES ........................................... 5-19
TMA BASICS ................................................................................... 5-20
WHAT IS TMA?.............................................................. 5-20
HOW DOES TMA W ORK? .............................................. 5-20
TMA TOOLS ................................................................. 5-23
Submarines TMA Tools 5-23
FFG TMA Tools 5-23
The TMA Display Board (Subs) 5-24
The TMA Plot (FFG) 5-25
Merging and Dropping Contacts 5-25
The TMA Ruler 5-26
TMA Dot Stack (Subs only) 5-28
Trial Solution Area 5-28
Entering a Firing Solution 5-28
Lines of Bearing (LOBs) 5-29
Contact ID Naming Conventions 5-30
TMA ON UUV SENSOR CONTACTS ................................ 5-31

Section 5: Training 5-2

5: TRAINING
This section contains information needed to successfully complete some
S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters game tasks. To effectively use the various
stations you encounter in the game it is helpful to have some background
and general information about why you need various stations and what
happens there.

S ONAR S CHOOL
Subs, ships and aircraft all use Sound Navigation And Ranging (Sonar) to
detect submarines, although sonar also detects surface ships in the area.
All controllable platforms in Dangerous Waters have some form of sonar
capability. These are described later in this section.

S O N AR
A sonar array is an interconnected group of hydrophones or transducers
that focus either the transmission or reception of sound. There are two
types of sonar: passive and active. Each has an important place in anti-
submarine warfare.

Passive Sonar
A passive sonar system can only listen. A hydrophone (sensor) or a set of
hydrophones is positioned to receive sounds produced by sources in the
water. Its major purpose in this game is to detect and help classify
submarines and ships. Depending on environmental conditions passive
sonar can detect contacts several miles away; however, you can only
determine the direction, or bearing, of the contact. The distance, or range,
to the contact is not immediately known. It is helpful to know the range to
successfully target the contact.
By tracking a contact over time with passive sonar you can fairly accurately
determine a contact’s bearing, range, course, and speed by using a
process called Target Motion Analysis (TMA). See Training/TMA Basics.

Active Sonar
An active sonar system transmits a high-energy acoustic signal or “ping”.
Any object in the area reflects the transmitted signal and the sonar sensors
pick up the returning echo. The time from the initial transmission to the
reception of the echo accurately reveals the range to the contact and the
direction of the returning echo indicates the bearing.
Active sonar quickly provides range information but the active transmission
can also be received by enemy ships and used to locate the transmitting
sensor. Because of this risk submarines should use active sonar only as a
last resort for determining a target’s range. Using TMA on passive sonar
contacts is a safer approach to localization when time permits.

Section 5: Training 5-3

Tip: When commanding an aircraft do not use sonobuoys in active mode
unless you are very sure where the submarine is. The submarine can
detect active sonobuoys outside active detection range and evade.

High Frequency Active Sonar

High Frequency Active Sonar (HFAS) is usually a separate system from the
lower frequency “active sonar” that is a part of the platform’s integrated
sonar suite. It produces higher frequency transmissions that have shorter
wavelengths than those of medium frequency (MF) active sonars. These
transmissions provide excellent bearing and range resolution for contacts in
the vicinity of Ownship. HFAS does not have the range of MF active sonar
and also is less likely to be counter detected at longer ranges because HF
sound is absorbed more quickly than lower frequency transmissions.
Because of its high resolution, HFAS is the sensor of choice for traversing
minefields or navigating under the ice when commanding a submarine with
that capability. It also can be used for rapid localization (range and bearing)
of a close-in contact when counter detection is no longer a consideration,
as when coming to periscope depth noncovertly or when a quick firing
solution is needed for a close aboard enemy.
As modeled in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters, the HFAS marks all contacts it
detects at one time, placing a HF Sonar marker on the Nav Map at the
location of each return. Additionally, the active returns display an outline of
the detected object on the High Frequency Active Sonar display, providing
a visual image of the detected object. A HFAS contact is not assigned a
track number and consists only of a marker placed at the location of the first
detection. To update the location, delete the current marker and mark the
contacts again. Marking contacts in HFAS is described below:
FFG: In the Hull Sonar Station [F4] click ACTIVE mode then click High
Frequency. Click BACK to access the MARK button. Click on a contact on
the display and then click MARK.
Kilo: In the Periscope Station [F8] click the screen transition button at the
top of the screen to access the High Frequency Sonar console. Contacts
appear in red. Click the display once to mark all currently detected contacts.
Akula: In the Periscope Station [F8] click the Under Ice/High Frequency
button. In the High Frequency console, ensure that FORWARD LOOKING
is selected for mine detection. Select UPWARD LOOKING to find a polynya
during under ice operations. Click the display once to mark all currently
detected contacts.
Seawolf: In the Sonar Suite [F2] click the ACTIVE Sonar icon button. Click
FREQUENCY in the matrix button panel. Click HIGH and then click BACK.
Contacts appear as orange dots or an outline depending on the range to
the contact. Click on a contact in the display then click MARK.
688(I): In the Ship Control Station [F1] click the toggle switch to the ON
position on the High Frequency Display in the center of the screen. Click
the display once to mark all currently detected contacts.

Section 5: Training 5-4

A C OU S T IC S I G N AL S
Passive sonar is used to detect and determine the location of the sources of
acoustic energy, or sound, in the water. The ocean has numerous sources
of acoustic energy including seismic events, biologics such as whales and
shrimp, and waves, as well as noise generated by ships and submarines.
The sound that is ever present in the water and doesn’t appear to come
from a specific contact is known as background or ambient noise. Ships,
subs and other acoustic contacts emit energy, or signals, that stand out
against this backdrop of ambient noise when processed by a sonar system.
Detection ranges for sonar arrays are influenced by the strength of the
signal being detected and the amount of background noise interference
between the contact and the sensor. This is called the Signal To Noise
Ratio (SNR). Directional sonar increases SNR by focusing the sonar beam
into a smaller area pointed at the target.

Signal Strength
The amount of noise a contact generates is known as its signal strength.
Depending on the sonar display, a signal appears as a line, a spike, or a
dot. Thick lines, tall spikes and larger, darker dots indicate stronger signals.
The signal strength generated by a contact is influenced by the type of
contact it is (loud merchant ship or quiet diesel sub), its range and its
speed.
In general loud, fast contacts generate a strong signal while quiet contacts
generate a faint signal. Distant contacts can be faint while close contacts
are stronger. However, a faint signal doesn’t always mean a distant contact.
It could be a quiet submarine close by traveling at a slow rate of speed
while a strong signal could be a merchant ship at a greater distance
traveling at a high rate of speed.

Noise
The amount of noise detected by your sonar sensors is influenced by the
speed of your Ownship as well as several environmental factors. The noise
generated by Ownship’s movement through the water increases as your
speed increases. The more noise you generate the less your sensors can
detect. It is possible that all signals can be lost in the noise if you travel fast
enough.
The wave action of a high sea state also generates background noise that
can influence signal detection. Thermal layers, discussed later in this
section, can significantly reduce the ability of signals to travel through the
water.

Broadband Signals
Sonar systems detect acoustic signals in the broadband and narrowband
frequency ranges. Contacts of interest emit both broadband and
narrowband signals.

Section 5: Training 5-5

Passive broadband (PBB) acoustic sources, which can be generated by a
ship’s movement through the water and its propeller and shaft, emit
acoustic energy over a wide range of frequencies. The broadband display
shows all contacts that emit acoustic energy that fall within the broadband
range. A broadband sonar receiver is used primarily to detect and track
contacts for TMA and also can contribute to classification through both
DEMON and aural analysis.

Narrowband Signals
Passive narrowband (PNB) sources emit energy at a distinct frequency. A
narrowband acoustic source is typically generated by a specific piece of
equipment on a ship such as a pump or a motor. Because it is possible to
detect a contact at a longer range by searching for a distinct frequency it is
sometimes helpful to start the search for contacts in narrowband sonar. The
increased detections are possible because narrowband focuses the sonar
in frequency, rejecting ambient noise that is outside the frequency band of
the target signature.
Additionally, the specific frequencies emitted by a contact are unique and
readily identifiable; therefore, narrowband frequencies can be used to
classify contacts. The specific frequencies associated with a ship are known
as its sonar signature, sometimes called its sound profile. Sonar systems
access a library of known sonar signatures or profiles to aid in the
classification process.
Contacts can be classified in each submarine’s Sonar Narrowband Station,
and in the Acoustic Station on the FFG, P-3C and the MH-60R platforms.
The MH-60’s dipping sonar in passive mode can also be used to classify
contacts.

Tip: Use Narrowband sonar for detection and classification of contacts.

U N D E R W A TE R S OU N D P R O P A G AT I O N
Sound travels in waves of alternating high and low pressure created when a
vibrating object disturbs the air or water around it. While sound in air
generally travels in a straight line until it is reflected or simply fades away,
sound in water tends to bend depending on conditions in the water it is
traversing.
The speed of sound in the ocean is related to temperature, salinity, and
depth. Salinity usually does not change for a given ocean area. Increasing
depth or increasing temperature tends to increase the speed of sound.
Temperature may increase or decrease with depth near the surface,
depending upon atmospheric conditions, but eventually begins to decrease
until a depth of about 3000 feet, where it becomes nearly constant
(isothermal). While the temperature is decreasing with depth, the speed of
sound will also decrease unless the change in temperature is very small.
But at deep depths, the speed of sound increases with depth.

Section 5: Training 5-6

In the ocean, acoustic energy travels along paths that are determined by
changes in the speed of sound through the water. Sound waves are
refracted (bent) away from a region where the speed of sound is increasing.

Thermal Layers
Sometimes conditions in the ocean give rise to an effect known as the
layer. As the surface of the ocean cools late in the day, a region of
increasing temperature near the surface creates a layer where the
temperature increases with depth. At the layer depth the normal cooling
with increased depth resumes, so that the layer depth is the depth with the
greatest temperature. Sound energy bends away from the layer, so that a
contact is much harder to detect if it is on the opposite side of the layer
depth from the sonar array. Very little sound energy passes through this
layer depth, especially at higher frequencies.

Sound Speed Profile (SSP)

Locating a thermal layer in your area of operation can help you to avoid
detection or even an incoming torpedo if you are in a sub. If you are in a
ship or aircraft, knowing the depth of the layer can also alert you to the
need to adjust the depth setting of sonobuoys to detect a contact that might
be lurking on the other side of the layer. A Sound Speed Profile (SSP) is a
useful tool in determining the location of a thermal layer in your area of
operation. The SSP contains a graph (and in the subs also a table)
depicting the speed of sound at different depths. The profile is generated
from information provided by an Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT or
BT) probe.
There are three types of ocean environments modeled in Dangerous
Waters: Bottom Limited, Surface Duct and Convergence Zone.
Bottom Limited
In a bottom limited ocean environment, the water depth is not great enough
for the isothermal region to be present. Instead, the temperature decreases
with depth all the way to the bottom. This means that sound waves are bent
toward the bottom, and any sound detected beyond direct path range will
have one or more bottom bounces, losing energy with each bottom bounce.
In addition, background noise is high since the surface noise bounces off
the shallow ocean floor and propagates for some distance.

Note: If a mission designer designates the area as bottom limited

there will be no layer in the mission regardless of the depth of the
ocean in the area. Surface Duct is the default environment for user-
generated missions in the S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters Mission
Editor.

Surface Duct
Sound speed increases down to the thermal layer in a surface duct, then
decreases to the bottom. While detection ranges are roughly the same

Section 5: Training 5-7

above and below the layer, detection ranges are cut roughly in half across
the layer.
Convergence Zone
In some deep ocean environments, the bending of sound energy results in
rings around a sound source where the sound rays are focused, so that the
propagation loss is reduced by large amounts. These areas are called
convergence zones (CZ), and when present, occur at intervals of 20 to 35
nm depending upon surface temperature. The CZ width is typically 5 to 10
% of the CZ range. Between the convergence zones, bottom paths usually
prevail, so that contact is not maintained for any but the loudest contacts.
This results in a characteristic condition where a contact will be held at a
high SNR while in the CZ and then lost for 30 minutes or more before
appearing as a direct path contact – or possibly not being detected until it
has passed the closest point of approach and is again in the CZ as an
opening contact.
Generating a Sound Speed Profile (SSP)
The FFG-7 and controllable aircraft deploy Bathythermograph Sonobuoys
called simply BT sonobuoys. Once the buoy hits the water it deploys a
probe that descends at a constant rate and transmits the sound speed data
it collects to the deploying ship or aircraft. BT sonobuoys are launched in
the same manner as all other sonobuoys.
XBT probes are launched from submarines somewhat like a
countermeasure. The probe rises to the surface before it begins to drop at a
constant rate and starts returning data. If the sub is deep it may be some
time before data begins to appear. The temperature data gathered by the
XBT probe is transmitted to the sub where the returning data is plotted at
Sonar SSP station.
To launch a BT Sonobuoy in S.C.S. – Dangerous Waters:
FFG-7: BT sonobuoys are launched from the ASTAC Station.
MH-60R: Sonobuoys are launched from the ATO Station.
P-3 C Orion: Sonobuoys are launched from the TACCO/Sonobuoy
station.
In the above platforms the SSP graph appears in a Sonobuoy Display
Window (gram) in the Acoustic Station once you tune to the channel
receiving data from the BT sonobuoy. The depth of the layer appears in
the top line of the display following the LAYER label.

Tip: To determine the channel number for a specific sonobuoy, visit the
Nav Map. The channel number for a buoy is noted beside its NTDS symbol
on the Nav Map and is shown in the DDI when a buoy symbol is selected.
Below is a view of a Sound Speed Profile from a BT sonobuoy launched by
a MH-60R and processed by the FFG with the location of the layer
identified. In S.C.S. Dangerous Waters the SSP depth data displays in feet

Section 5: Training 5-8

on the horizontal (X) axis. In the subs, depth data displays on the vertical
axis in feet.
Layer Readout in feet

To Launch an XBT from a Sub: XBTs are launched from the Sonar Suite’s
SSP Station.
The Sound Speed Profile displays in graph and table form at the SSP
station.
Utilizing Thermal Layers
Understanding the effects of thermal layers on sound propagation is very
important when using sonar or attempting to limit sonar detection of
ownship. Since sound waves bend away from the layer, it acts as a screen
to shield your sub from sonar on the other side of the layer. This bending
also lessens the ability of your sonar to detect a contact on the other side of
the layer. When commanding a submarine it is wise to stay below the
thermal layer to avoid detection by surface ships or submarines operating
above the layer. If an enemy sub is also below the layer it may be prudent
to move above the thermal layer to decrease the likelihood of being
detected. There are no clear-cut rules for utilizing the layer since how you
use the layer depends on whether you hope to remain undetected or
maximize your sonar range.
When commanding the FFG or an aircraft it is important to know the
location of the layer so you can set your sonobuoys to the correct depth to
optimize the probability of detecting a submarine.

S O N AR S Y S TE M S
Every controllable platform has at least one sonar or sonobuoy system.
Trackers available on the FFG’s and submarine sonar systems work
directly with the Target Motion Analysis and Fire Control systems to help
assure accurate localization and targeting data.
Sonobuoy systems both in passive and active mode are used to determine
the location of subsurface contacts using a process called triangulation.

Tip: To determine the location of a contact in S.C.S. - Dangerous Water,

view the intersection of the lines of bearing from three sonobuoys on the
Nav Map. The intersection fairly accurately pinpoints the location of the
contact. The depth of the contact is still unknown.

Section 5: Training 5-9

Each sonar system or array has a specific alphanumeric designation or
name. However, an array is frequently referred to by its shape or location
on the platform.

Towed Arrays
A towed array is a linear array dragged behind a ship or sub. It is a passive
sonar system used by both submarines and surface ships.
FFG-7: The FFG-7 utilizes the AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array Sonar
System (TACTASS) for broadband and narrowband detection and tracking.
In the case of the FFG-7 the array is towed a mile behind the ship, thus, the
ship does not interfere with the array’s ability to search any part of the
environment (masking.) TACTASS provides full 360° detection.
Subs: The number of towed arrays and their capabilities vary from sub to
sub.
Towed arrays are for both broadband and narrowband detection and
tracking in the subs. They are used at low to medium speeds and optimized
for lower frequencies.
Because a sub masks a certain amount of the environment from a sub-
mounted or towed array no individual sub-mounted sensor provides full
360° detection. Together the subs’ arrays provide omni-directional detection
capabilities

Note: No towed array is modeled for Kilos in Dangerous Waters.

Surface Ship Hull Sonar

The FFG-7 is equipped with the SQS-56 active-passive hull sonar. Located
at the bow of the ship this sonar is primarily used in active mode since its
passive sonar capability is limited. Passive mode supports detection of
broadband contacts and has no narrowband capability.

Submarine Spherical/Cylindrical Bow Arrays

Arrays housed in the bow of a submarine are usually spherical or cylindrical
in shape. These bow arrays can track broadband as well as narrowband
contacts.
At higher speeds, there is some degradation of performance because of
flow noise caused by the water moving across the surface of the array. The
bow array is not as sensitive to low frequencies, so it’s not the array of
choice for low frequency, narrowband contacts.
Submarine Hull/Conformal Arrays
The hull/conformal array, also near the bow of the ship is a linear array
conforming to the shape of the hull. It provides low speed capability to
detect low frequency narrowband contacts). As such, its primary use is for
classifying targets.

Section 5: Training 5-10

Submarine Flank Arrays
A flank array is a flat rectangular panel on the side of the sub.
Seawolf Wide Aperture Array (WAA): The WAA consists of three flank
arrays on each side of the Seawolf class submarines. In S.C.S. -
Dangerous Waters the Seawolf’s WAA can provide rapid passive
localization (RAPLOC) for sonar contacts within a 15 kyd range. See
Seawolf Stations/Seawolf Sonar Suite/Seawolf Broadband Station for
information on how to use the WAA to determine the range of a contact.
Kilo: Some Kilos carry the MG-53 passive sonar set. There is some
thought that this may be a flank array while others believe it is an active
intercept set.

Note: For gameplay purposes a passive sonar flank array and active
intercept are modeled for the Kilos in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters.

Sonobuoys
Sonobuoys are part of an acoustic system used by naval forces to detect,
localize and classify hostile submarines. Some sonobuoys are used to
determine specialized information regarding environmental conditions in an
area of interest.
Sonobuoys can be dropped into the ocean by ASW aircraft and also “over
the side” (OTS) by ships. The sonobuoy deploys a floating transmission unit
and its hydrophone array descends to a preset depth on a cable.

Note: The sonobuoy cylinder is discarded when the contents are

deployed and drops to the bottom. In the game the 3D sonobuoy
object is depicted as a floating cylinder in the water making it easier
to find the 3D object in 3D View.
When the sonobuoy's submerged sensors detect acoustic energy in the
water the information is sent up the cable to the buoy's radio transmitter.
The monitoring platform receives the transmitted data and it is processed,
analyzed and recorded for further analysis or replay.
In the game sonobuoys dropped by any controllable platform have a life
span of two hours and can be scuttled by the player at any time while the
receiver is tuned to the transmitting channel.
Sonobuoys can be active, passive or special purpose. Within those types
several modes may be available. All three types are modeled in S.C.S. -
Dangerous Waters.

Note: In S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters when a contact detected by a

buoy in passive mode is marked, a white line appears on the Nav
Map and extends from the buoy along the line of bearing where the
contact is detected. Contacts marked in passive mode result in LOB
ending with a symbol for and unknown category/unknown alliance at

Section 5: Training 5-11

 the default range of 10 nm from the buoy. Contacts marked by a
buoy in active mode appear on the Nav Map at the end of a white
LOB ending with the unknown/unknown symbol at the range
reported by the active return.

Passive Sonobuoys
Passive sonobuoys deploy hydrophones that listen for sound energy
created by ships and submarines and report bearing and/or target signature
information about the sound source. A passive sonobuoy buoy can have
directional or omni-directional hydrophones or both.
Omni-directional hydrophones detect and relay information about a
specific frequency band. They cannot determine the bearing to the
contact; they only indicate that something is out there. Generally, omni-
directional sonobuoys have a short detection range, so that detection
indicates a nearby submarine.
Directional hydrophones provide a bearing to detected sound energy
but not a range.
By dropping a pattern of directional sonobuoys the location of the
sound source can be identified by a process called triangulation. In
S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters the intersection of three or more sonobuoy
LOBs can indicate the location of the sound source. The U.S. Navy's
DIFAR, LOFAR and VLAD sonobuoys are examples of passive
sonobuoys. All three are modeled in the game although LOFAR are not
carried by the controllable platforms. DICASS can operate in Omni and
Directional passive modes as well as in Active mode.
In S.C.S. – Dangerous Waters when a buoy is hot (detecting and
transmitting information) the Nav Map symbol for the buoy has a red dot in
the center.

Tip: Passive buoys should be used for the initial detection and classification
of submarine contacts. This keeps the target sub ‘in the dark” as to the
presence of the deploying aircraft.
Active Sonobuoys
Active buoys emit an acoustic ping into the water. By examining the return
echo the exact range of the target can be established. Some active buoys
return both bearing and range, some only range. Ships and aircraft in S.C.S
- Dangerous Waters carry the DICASS sonobuoy. As modeled, it returns
both range and bearing to the contact.
Active sonobuoys are typically used a) to determine the location of a
submarine contact when the ASW aircraft is in attack mode, b) when
localization information is needed quickly, c) when environmental conditions
make it difficult for passive buoys to collect the necessary data and/or d)
when the contact is extremely quiet.

Section 5: Training 5-12

The U.S. Navy’s DICASS Sonobuoy has an active mode and is modeled in
Dangerous Waters. Additionally DICASS has both Omni and Directional
passive modes.
Special Purpose Sonobuoys
The Bathythermograph sonobuoy is used to measure the speed of sound
through the water at various depths and temperatures and sends a reading
of sound speed versus depth to the deploying unit. This information is
useful in determining the location of thermal layers in the area of interest.

Sonobuoys in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters

In S.C.S - Dangerous Waters sonobuoys have the following properties.
Lifespan: 2 hours from the time of deployment.
Buoys can be scuttled, or sunk, at any time by clicking the Scuttle VAB
in the gram display when the Display Window is tuned to the
transmitting channel.
Depth: All buoys (except BTs) are designated either “Deep” or
“Shallow” when selected for launch.
Shallow: 90 feet
Deep: 400 feet
Detection Range: Whether or not a buoy detects a contact depends on
target type, sensor and target depth, water depth, sea state, target speed,
target aspect, bottom type, and other factors. Given the buoy sensitivities
modeled in the game, the VLAD will generally detect contacts at a much
greater range than a DICASS or DIFAR buoy,
As a point of reference, assuming the same environmental conditions, the
DICASS might be expected to detect a contact at 3000 yards, while the
VLAD will be able to detect it at 8,000 yards. The maximum detection range
in passive mode for any buoy is approximately seven nautical miles.
Transmitting Range: Platforms within line of sight of buoys placed by
Ownside can detect sonobuoy transmissions. For the FFG detection range
is approximately 12 nautical miles. Aircraft detection ranges vary based on
the aircraft’s altitude.
The following sonobuoys are modeled in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters:
DIFAR (Directional Frequency and Ranging) Sonobuoy
Sensors: Four directional hydrophones and one omni-directional
hydrophone
Primary Use: Search, detection and classification of submarines.
VLAD (Vertical Line Array Directional Frequency Analysis and
Recording)
Sensor: Directional passive sonar (Same as DIFAR) plus array of eight
omni-directional hydrophones.

Section 5: Training 5-13

 Primary Use: Signal detection in areas of high ambient noise.

Tip: When a high sea state increases the level of background noise, VLAD
should be your buoy of choice.
LOFAR (Low Frequency Analysis and Recording) Sonobuoy:
Sensors: Omni-directional hydrophone
Primary Use: Gathering data on ambient noise levels.

Note: LOFAR buoys are not carried by controllable platforms in

S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters but can be placed in scenarios by
mission creators. They can be picked up by buoy processors and
may appear in gameplay.

DICASS (Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System)

Sensor: Active sonar (Passive directional and omni-directional modes
are possible)
Primary Use: Active mode provides range, bearing
BT (Bathythermograph) Sonobuoy
Sensor: Thermistor temperature probe.
Primary Use: Determining the location of thermal layers.

Tip: As modeled in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters, VLAD sonobuoys have a

longer passive detection range than other sonobuoys modeled in the game.
DICASS buoys have the shortest passive detection range but also have
active sonar capability. Use VLADs to make initial detections and DIFAR to
narrow the search. When you are certain there is a contact of interest in a
specific area, use a DICASS buoy in active mode to pinpoint the target.

Sonobuoy Data Display Windows (Grams)

The FFG-7, MH-60R and the P-3C all process sonobuoy data. In these
platforms sonobuoy data are received in the Acoustic Station and display in
CRT Display Windows. Sometimes these display windows are referred to
collectively as grams, although technically that term usually applies to
LOFAR gram data that displays in the window. In the game interfaces some
sonobuoy display interfaces are labeled GRAMS regardless of the type of
data displayed.
Sonobuoy data display windows (grams) default to Omni mode. A
sonobuoy in Omni mode returns non-directional frequency data, and
requires one display window. Directional mode, which returns received
frequencies and bearings, requires two windows. Active (pinging) mode
returns bearing and range data, and requires three windows.
To free other display windows for use by sonobuoys set to
Directional or Active modes, set the required number of supporting
windows to channel 00. Then change the mode in the active

Section 5: Training 5-14

 channel to Directional or Active. (Turn Acoustic Autocrew OFF or
he may change your channel selections.)
Sonobuoy Data Display Window Functionality
In S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters a sonobuoy has a lifespan of two hours from
the time of deployment. When the buoy is out of transmitting range or has
lost its connection, a message displays in the gram window indicating that
the connection has failed and NO DATA is being received on the selected
channel. If the buoy has not timed-out, changing course could bring you
back within range, particularly when in an aircraft.
Buoys that are “hot” (detecting sound data) appear in the Nav Map with
a red center. Buoy symbols disappear from the Nav Map and Geoplot
when they have timed out.
The FFG Acoustic Station Display Windows are seen here. Their Variable
Action Buttons are digital and contained within the Display Window. The
Sonobuoy Display Windows for the P-3C are similar but have green text. In
the MH-60R Acoustic Station, the text labels are the same but the push
buttons that control the functionality are outside the display window next to
the label.
In the MH-60 click the button next to the desired text.
In the FFG and P-3 click the text of the desired digital button.
In the FFG buttons rimmed in grey are disabled.
In the P-3C buttons with no rim are disabled.

Note: Setting a buoy display to Directional or Active mode requires

supporting windows. Each platform is slightly different. In the case of
the FGG, directional and Active modes can only be set in windows
A- D. See the Acoustic Station section for the FFG, P-3C, and MH-
60R for information on how each platform handles changing mode
and freeing supporting windows.
Omni Mode Display: In Omni mode detected signals appear as lines in a
‘waterfall’ display moving from bottom to top above the number indicating
the detected frequency. A sixty-second record is visible.
Time and Frequency at location of the cursor Omni Mode

Directional Mode Display: Dots indicate detected frequencies on a

specific bearing. The bearing-frequency cursor consists of a short vertical
line on a horizontal bearing indicator. Click on a specific frequency dot to
select it then click MARK. The track number assigned displays in the top

Section 5: Training 5-15

row. Selected frequencies can be marked but no trackers can be assigned
to sonobuoy data. If a frequency is marked, the assigned Track Number
appears when the cursor is held over the dot.
Bearing-Frequency Cursor Track # of contact under cursor
Directional Mode

Active Mode Display: Once activated, the buoy transmits continuously.

Returns fill in from left to right and contacts appear as bright spots in the
noise background. Click on the contact to select it with the square cursor.
(The cursor appears once the display is clicked.) Once a track number is
assigned it displays in the top row when the contact is selected. Click XMIT
to begin active transmissions.
Active Mode Selection Cursor Track Number Active Mode

BT Display: The BT sonobuoy returns the speed at which sound travels at

varying depths. This information pinpoints the depth of any thermal layer in
the area. The layer depth appears in the LAYER: field in the top row. There
is no alternate mode. The only user functionality is to scuttle the buoy.
Sonobuoy Data Display Window Labels
Top Line Readouts (From left to right:)
Buoy Name: DICASS, DIFAR, VLAD, LOFAR or BT
Buoy Depth: (D) = Deep; (S) = Shallow
Buoy Sensor Mode: Omni, Directional or Active; SSP
Track Number: When the selected contact or frequency is marked, the
track number appears here.

Section 5: Training 5-16

Cursor Location:
Omni Mode: Seconds; Frequency
Directional Mode: Degrees; Frequency
Active Mode: Degrees; Yards
BT: Sound Speed in Meters per second
X /Y Axis
Omni Mode: Y: Time in seconds; X: Frequency
Directional Mode: Y: Degrees; X: Frequency
Active Mode: X: Degrees; Y: Yards
BT: X: Sound Speed (not labeled); Y: Depth
Sonobuoy Data Display Window VABs
Variable Action Buttons (VABs) are present on the right side of all gram
Data Display Windows.
In the FFG and P-3 these are digital buttons contained within the window
itself.
In the MH-60R these are “push buttons” on the right side of a label. When a
buoy is in Active mode on the MH-60R, the XMIT Button appears on the left
side of the gram. The Library VAB set includes Filter and Arrow buttons on
the left side of the display window.
The following button labels are seen in all Sonobuoy Display Windows.
MODE: Click to cycle through available modes. If there are insufficient
empty windows to support Directional or Active mode, the mode cannot be
changed. Directional mode requires one empty window. Active mode
requires two empty windows. (Empty=Set to channel 00.)
When ON, Autocrew sets displays to Omni and Directional Mode only.
Mode is disabled when there are no alternative modes and when the
gram window is supporting Directional or Active mode.
SCUTTLE: Click to scuttle the buoy. The buoy no longer transmits and its
symbol is removed from the Nav Map. Clicking Scuttle in a window
supporting a buoy in Active or Directional mode scuttles the buoy it is
supporting.
Omni and Directional Mode VABS
In addition to Mode and Scuttle the following VABs are available for Omni
and Directional modes:
LIBRARY: Click to access the ship’s sound signature profile database. See
Classifying a Contact with the Acoustic Library later in this section. The
following button set is revealed when LIBRARY is clicked.
When a display window is in OMNI mode while supporting a channel in
Directional mode, the Library button is not available.

Section 5: Training 5-17

 MARK: (Directional mode only) Click on a contact to select it then click
MARK to assign a track number and reports a line of bearing to the
Nav Map and TMA.
FILTER: Click to filter out all but the most likely library profile matches.
Button or label is illuminated when ON.
BACK: Click to return to the previous VAB set.
Arrows: Click the right and left facing arrow buttons to cycle through
the available sound profiles.
Active Mode VABs
In addition to Mode and Scuttle, the following VABs are available when
Active mode is selected.
MARK: When the buoy is actively transmitting, click a detected contact
to select it then click MARK to assign a track number and send bearing
and range data to the Nav Map and TMA.
XMIT: Click to start active transmission. Once activated the buoy
continues to ping at a set interval. There is no need to click XMIT
again.
Classifying a Contact with The Acoustic Library
The library provides a means to compare the detected frequency profile in
the waterfall display with recorded profiles of a variety of ship classes and
weapons. The Library is available in Omni and Directional modes.
Click LIBRARY to display the Library VAB set. Click BACK to close
the Library.
Click to cycle the library profiles

The CLASS name of the selected library profile appears in place of the
cursor data in the top line of the display.
The frequencies that make up the selected Library profile are represented
by V-shaped Profile Frequency Indicators above the waterfall at the location
of the frequencies that make up the sound profile of the ship or weapon
named in the selected profile.
Filter OFF: Click the left or right facing arrows to click through all of
the profiles in the database.
Filter ON: Click the left or facing arrows to view the profiles that
most closely match the detected profile. When four or more lines
(Omni mode) or dots (Directional mode) are visible, the list is
narrowed to one or a very few options.

Section 5: Training 5-18

Omni Mode: When the profile frequency indicators line up closely with the
signals in the waterfall it is a good indication that the contact might be that
of the class indicated in the top row.
Contacts cannot be marked in OMNI mode. No information is available on
the contacts’ location, only that it is out there and an educated guess as to
what it is. If you have marked many contacts on the Nav Map, you may not
immediately know to which contact you should apply the classification
determined in the Omni Mode Library.
When a good match between the detected profile and the library
profile is found, take note of the class or weapon name in the top
line and use that information to classify the contact using the right-
click Contact Menu from the Nav Map when you have determined
the contact to which the classification belongs.
Directional Mode: Dots indicate frequencies detected on a specific
bearing. When at least four dots are present on a specific bearing, click on
a dot to select the contact on that bearing. The name of a class in the
LIBRARY appears on the top row. There may be other classes that are
similar to the detected frequency profile in the Library profiles available for
viewing.
1. Turn on the Filter if it is not on.
2. Click the left and right-facing arrow buttons to cycle through the
available classes in the profile library.
3. Click on a dot in the display then click MARK to apply the selected
class to the contact. The classification then appears in the DDI when
the track is selected on the Nav Map or Geoplot.
Dipping Sonar
Dipping sonar is a hydrophone lowered on a cable into the water from a
helicopter. A hydraulic winch is used to raise and lower the sensor to
varying depths. The helicopter can hover over a specific area of interest
keeping a passive or active sensor at a relatively precise location. The
helicopter must maintain a low altitude and speed to ensure that the sensor
reaches the desired depth and that the sensor is not damaged or lost. (An
altitude of fifty feet and a speed of zero are recommended.) See MH-60R
Stations/Dipping Sonar Station for complete instructions on using this
feature in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters.

C A VI T A TI O N IN S U B M AR I NE S
Submarines experience a noisy event known as cavitation when their
propellers move so fast that low pressure bubbles form and collapse in the
water around the propeller. Your sub's speed and depth influence the
occurrence of this phenomenon. In general, increasing speed tends to
increase the likelihood and strength of cavitation, while going deeper
reduces the likelihood.
When at all possible, avoid cavitation. The resulting noise alerts the enemy
to your presence and can pinpoint your bearing. Your crew alerts you to the

Section 5: Training 5-19

fact that the ship's propellers are cavitating. When near the surface, lower
your speed to reduce the possibility of cavitation.

TMA B ASICS
This section provides an overview of the principles behind Target Motion
Analysis (TMA). It explains what it is, a bit about how it works and what you
do with the information gathered in TMA. The FFG-7 and all submarines in
S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters have TMA capabilities. Information on how to
use TMA within a specific platform is found in that platform’s Stations
section in the TMA sub-section.

Note: To use the TMA station effectively a basic understanding of

the TMA functionality found here is imperative.

WH AT I S TMA?
At the TMA station, bearing returns from your ship’s sensors are
manipulated and analyzed to determine a contact’s bearing, range, course
and speed. This information, called a target solution, a firing solution or
simply the solution, is necessary to accurately target a contact with your
ship’s weapons.
The contact designation number for each contact detected and marked by
you or your Autocrew appears in a drop-down list at the TMA station.
Selecting a contact designation from the list displays a history of the
reported lines of bearing (LOB) to that contact on the TMA Board (Subs) or
TMA DRT Plot (FFG).

H O W D O E S TMA W O R K ?
Target Motion Analysis is a process by which a contact’s course and range
are estimated using timed bearing readings and an estimate of the target’s
speed. At the TMA Station you examine available sensor data on a contact
and develop possible or trial solutions.
While the examples shown here refer to submarines, the principles are the
same for surface ships.
Suppose your ship is stationary and one of your passive sonar sensors is
tracking an unknown contact. If at two-minute intervals you could draw a
line from your ship along the bearing at which the contact is detected, it
would look something like the diagram below.

Section 5: Training 5-20

When using passive sonar, the exact range of the contact is not known.
Several solutions for the target might match this bearing fan. For example,
the contact could be close to you moving at 5 kts or twice as far from you
and moving at 10 kts. If you know the speed at which the contact is
traveling, its range and course can be estimated.

Section 5: Training 5-21

A new factor influences the bearing rate (change in bearing over time)
when your ship is moving as well. However, the principle remains the same.
A concept that many commanders find helpful is that of lead and lag
courses (legs) for Ownship. A lead course is one where Ownship’s course
and the target’s course are on the same side of the line of bearing. With a
lag course, the target’s course and Ownship’s course are on opposite
sides of the line of bearing. In the drawing below, Ownship has a lead
course on possible solution A and a lag course on possible solution B.
Point C where the lines of bearing cross indicates the maximum range for
lead course contact A and a minimum range for lag course contact B.
As you can see in the drawing, you cannot initially be sure whether you are
leading or lagging a contact. You can determine this after you turn your ship
to a course on the opposite side of the line of bearing.

By changing your ship’s contribution to the bearing rate you can

mathematically reduce the number of possible solutions for the available
data. You do this by changing the course and/or speed of your ship. The
more you change your ship’s contribution to the bearing rate, the more
dramatic the change in the data. In most cases the leg with the larger
bearing rate indicates a lag course. For a broadband contact, this may be
easier to see on the sonar waterfall display.
If the contact maintains its course and speed and the sonar bearings are
very accurate (they may not be for weak contacts), two or three Ownship
maneuvers, or legs, will result in a single possible solution if the maneuver
produces a moderate change in bearing rate. If large changes in own ship’s
speed across the line of bearing produce only a small change in bearing
rate, then the contact is likely distant.

Section 5: Training 5-22

Use all available information when creating your trial solutions. If an
intelligence message informs you the contact is on a specific course, enter
that value in the Course trial solution field and lock that field. Knowing a
second value, such as speed, eliminates a large number of possible target
solutions. Once a contact is classified, determine its speed using the
DEMON function in Sonar. See the Stations/Sonar/Demon section of the
manual for the desired platform for information on using the DEMON
interface.

TMA T O OL S
The TMA tools are the same in all classes of controllable submarines in
SCS-Dangerous Waters. The FFG’s TMA tools are visually and functionally
different but the principles of TMA remain the same. The tools are
described here.

Submarines TMA Tools

The TMA Station in submarines consists of a TMA board, a ruler, also
known as a speed strip, trial solution fields used for entering possible or trial
solution elements (bearing, range, course, and speed) and a means for
entering a firing solution to the Fire Control System. The TMA stations in
the submarines also contain a dot stack that the FFG-7 does not have.

FFG TMA Tools

The FFG’s TMA Plot resembles a Dead Reckoning Tracer (DRT). The TMA
Plot appears as a large sheet of paper, a set of rulers indicating various

Section 5: Training 5-23

speeds, Ownship Indicator light, a TRACK UPDATE REPORT notebook
used for entering trial solutions elements (bearing, range, course, and
speed), and a means for entering a firing solution.

Note: This training portion of the manual deals primarily with the
Submarine TMA since all of them work the same way. The FFG’s
TMA Station functions a little differently. See FFG Stations/FFG TMA
Station for information on using the FFG’s unique TMA. However,
FFG commanders should read this entire TMA training section to
learn the basics.

The TMA Display Board (Subs)

The sub’s TMA Display Board is located in the upper left area of the TMA
Station. The board displays a representation of Ownship, a history of
bearing data for a selected contact, a TMA ruler and an error dot stack.
These tools are used to analyze sensor inputs. The Akula’s TMA board
components are seen and described below.
Dot Stack TMA Ruler Ownship Symbol

Bearing Lines

When a contact is selected from the track selection drop-down list, the most
recent sensor information for that contact is displayed on the TMA Board.
The information consists of a line of bearing extending from a point
representing Ownship’s position at the time of the report. If a tracker is
assigned to the contact, every two minutes the latest line of bearing is
added to the board. Over time these lines provide a history of bearing
changes that provides valuable information.
Dragging and positioning the ruler across the lines of bearing allows you to
test out possible solutions. The dot stack in the subs provides a visual cue
as to the accuracy of your trial solution. The oldest bearing lines are deleted

Section 5: Training 5-24

after a set amount of time. (In the subs right-click on the TMA board to set
the level of time history desired: 10, 20, 60 minutes or 4 hours) The tools
used on the TMA board and the specifics of this process are described
below. Learning TMA is not easy. If necessary, pause the game while you
attempt to develop an accurate solution.

The TMA Plot (FFG)

The TMA plot looks and functions a bit differently in the FFG. The plot
represents a Dead Reckoning Tracer (DRT). The white dot (initially in the
middle of the plot) is a light representing Ownship’s position. The light
moves along under the plot representing Ownship’s course and speed.
When the light reaches the edge of the paper the sheet must be torn off and
all lines of bearing previously displayed are lost. They do not reappear
when the contact is re-selected. You must create new ones by re-marking
the contact if no tracker is assigned or waiting for the tracker’s next two-
minute report.
Once a contact is selected in the dropdown list, its lines of bearing remain
on the TMA plot until the page is torn off. The lines are not removed when a
new contact is selected as they are on the submarine TMA board. Each
time a contact is marked, a line of bearing is added to that contact’s record.
The time that the mark was made (in minutes into the mission) displays at
the end of each line of bearing.
Since all LOBs remain on the plot when a different contact is selected, you
must click on an LOB to determine which contact ID that line belongs to.
More on the FFG’s TMA functionality is found in FFG Stations/FFG TMA
Station.

Merging and Dropping Contacts

A contact detected by two sources can be merged (and split apart again) at
the TMA station. Merging contacts cleans up clutter and helps you better
localize the contact. The Subs and the FFG handle this function slightly
differently.
Merged Contacts in the Subs: Merging two contacts results in the data
from both sensors being reported as a single merged contact in TMA and
on the Nav Map in the Subs. The dual bearing reports on the merged
contacts provide additional information and the location where the bearing
lines from the two sensors intersect can be a good indication of the range to
the contact. When contacts are merged in a submarine TMA station, the
resulting contact is given an M (Master) designation. To split a merged
contact back into its original components select it in the SELECT list and
click Split. The tracks are split and revert to their original track numbers.
Merged Contacts in the FFG: When two contacts are merged, the merged
contact retains the number of the contact showing in the upper Track
Update Report. The contact number seen in the lower Track Merge Report
is no longer seen in the Track selection dropdown. There is no indication
that a track is merged except that when the track number is selected in the
TMA Track Update Report, data from the merged sensor reports updates

Section 5: Training 5-25

as you watch. When FGG contacts are split they revert to their original track
numbers.

The TMA Ruler

Be it the FFG’s flat ruler or the submarine’s digital speed strip ruler, the
TMA ruler is used to indicate your best estimate of the contact’s course and
speed. Its location on the board relative to Ownship indicates your estimate
of the range of the contact.
TMA ruler is used to determine your best guess as to the course and speed
of the contact. By adjusting the location and orientation of the ruler to fit the
lines of bearing to a selected contact, the speed and course of the contact
can be estimated and the suspected range to the contact and its suspected
course are entered into the trial solution based on the rulers’ location on the
board or plot and its orientation.
Known or trial values for solution elements can be entered directly into the
appropriate fields and the ruler moves to reflect those values. Any portion of
the solution (range, bearing, course, speed) can be locked as different
portions of the solution are verified.
Sub’s Speed Strip Ruler:
With each new bearing line that appears on the TMA Board an
additional tick mark is added to the ruler. Each tick mark is associated
with a dot in the stack in the upper left of the screen. Moving the ruler
and adjusting the location of the tick marks allows you to line up the
dots along the center vertical line.
When TMA Autocrew is off, the first time a contact is selected from the
selection list, the speed strip appears at the end of the most recent line
of bearing facing Ownship. It stays on that LOB until moved. For
passive contacts this is a default range and not indicative of the actual
range of the contact. When the end tick is on the correct LOB, the
bottom dot in the stack is on the centerline of the dot stack.
The ruler components and functionality are described below:
The arrowhead on the ruler indicates the course of the contact.
The length of the ruler represents the current estimate of the contact’s
speed: the longer the ruler, the faster the estimated speed.
The distance of the ruler from the Ownship marker represents the
contact’s estimated range at the time of any given LOB.
Each tick mark represents a specific interval of time. (Towed and Bow
arrays update every two minutes while radar and continuous active
sonar update with every sweep or ping.) The tick mark at the end of the
ruler represents the initial or oldest information.
The estimated current bearing of the contact is a point just ahead of the
arrowhead. The last reported bearing is represented by the tick mark
closest to the arrowhead.

Section 5: Training 5-26

Manipulating the Speed Strip Ruler:
Adjusting length and direction: Click and drag the end mark or the
arrowhead to adjust the length or direction of the ruler.
Positioning Tick marks: The tick mark closest to the arrowhead
should be placed on the most recent bearing line. The end tick mark
should be positioned on the initial or oldest bearing line.
Using the Handle: A circle appears at the center of the ruler when
more than one tick is present and speed is more than zero. The circle
acts as a handle. Click the handle and drag the entire ruler to another
location. The handle maintains the current course and speed settings
of the ruler and adjusts range and bearing.
Initial bearing at time T, T+2, T+4, T+6, (Most recent sensor return)

Grab Handle Arrowhead/Course Indicator

Speed Strip Ruler showing returns sent every two minutes from a sonar
tracker.
FFG’s Ruler:
The FFG has a separate ruler for each unique speed. Click or right-click the
digits in the SPD field of the trial solution area or click the up and down
arrow to the left of the SPD label to select a speed ruler with tick marks
representing the selected speed. FFG’s Ruler functionality is described
below
The ruler appears on the plot only when a contact is selected in the
track update report and there are LOBs on the plot.
The arrows on the ruler indicate the suspected course of the contact.
Click the center of the ruler to move the entire ruler in its current
orientation.
Click on an end of the ruler to rotate the ruler on the axis of the other
end.
If a range greater than that of the viewable range is entered into the
RNG field the ruler disappears from the TMA Plot. Enter a smaller
range or reselect the contact from the dropdown list.
A tiny circle indicates the probable location of the contact at this time,
given the speed, range, course and time at the last reported LOB.

Section 5: Training 5-27

TMA Dot Stack (Subs only)
The dot stack in the upper left corner of the Submarines TMA plot is a
graphical representation of the error between tick marks and bearing lines.
The dot at the top of the stack is associated with the most recent bearing
line. The analysis is probably correct when the top most dots are on the
centerline. This process is called stacking the dots. The FFG has nothing
similar to the dot Stack.

Trial Solution Area

As the ruler or speed strip is manipulated to determine a possible solution
for a contact, the fields in the trial solution area are populated with the
values represented by the ruler’s location and orientation. Entering a value
directly into one of the solution fields reorients the ruler to reflect the value
entered. (No entry can be made in the FFG ‘s trial solution bearing field.)

Entering a Firing Solution

Once you are confident that you have a plausible firing solution for the
contact you have been analyzing, you can send the solution to the fire
control system.
Subs: Click ENTER SOLUTION (ENTER SOLN in Seawolf).
FFG-7: Click ENTER at the lower right corner of the TRACK
UPDATE REPORT notebook.
For complete instructions for performing TMA in the FFG-7 see FFG
Stations/FFG TMA Station.

Tip: Be sure that you don’t rush the TMA process. Before sending a report
to the Fire Control system ensure that you have analyzed and manipulated
bearing reports for some time and maneuvered Ownship as much as
needed to eliminate all but a few possible solutions.

Section 5: Training 5-28

Lines of Bearing (LOBs)
The color of each line of bearing (LOB) on the TMA board or Plot is an
indication of which sensor detected the contact.
Submarine LOB Colors
Bow sonar array: White
Hull/Flank/Conformal array: Blue
Towed sonar arrays: Purple
Active sonar: Green
Periscope or ESM: Red
Radar and Active Intercept: Yellow
UUV passive sonar White
UUV active sonar Green

Note for Sub Commander: When a sonar tracker is assigned to a

contact, bearing updates are automatically sent to the TMA board.
While radar, ESM/EW, single-ping active sonar and periscope
contacts appear in the list, these contacts are not updated on the
TMA board unless you physically mark them again. The history for
these contacts may contain only one line. Your Radar Autocrew,
when activated, sends updates for radar contacts as long as the
radar is on.

FFG LOB colors

Hull sonar, passive: White
Hull sonar, active Green
Towed Array: Purple
Sonobuoy, passive: White
Sonobuoy, active: White
EW: Red
Lookout: Red
Radar Yellow

Note for FFG-7 Commander: When an ATF (Automatic Tag Follow)

tracker is attached to a passive sonar contact in Towed Array,
bearing updates are sent automatically to TMA. If the ATT
(Automated Target Tracker) tag is assigned to a single track in
Active Sonar, bearing and range data are sent automatically to TMA.
Contacts marked by active sonar (Hull Sonar or sonobuoys) or
reported by the Lookout or FFG Radars appear in the Track list and
appear on the TMA Plot with a tiny x at the end of the line of bearing
at the reported range. The x only appears on the TMA Plot if the end
of the LOB is visible in the currently selected TMA Plot range scale.

Section 5: Training 5-29

Contact ID Naming Conventions
As tracks are detected and marked by various ship sensors they are
assigned a contact ID or contact designation. Once marked, applicable
Contact IDs appear in the SELECTED TRACKS dropdown list at the TMA
Station where they can be selected and the available data on them is
analyzed on the TMA Board or Plot. The conventions used to number
contacts in S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters are explained briefly below. See
Navigation Station/ 2D Navigation Map/Contact Designations for a full
description.
Submarine Contact IDs: The submarine Contact IDs give you a clue as to
which sensor has detected each contact. The first letter of the contact
designation represents the source of the data: S for Sonar, R for Radar, V
for visual (Periscope and Stadimeter), and E for ESM. TMA bearing lines
are color coded to indicate the reporting sensor. Contacts detected by a
submarine’s sensors are given an alphanumeric contact designation. The
first contact detected by Ownship’s sonar is S01 and the second is S02.
The first contact marked by Ownship’s ESM sensor is designated E01, the
fourth contact marked by a sub’s Radar is R04, the third visual contact
marked in the periscope is V03, etc. Each sensor maintains its own list.
When two contacts are merged, the merged contact is designated with an
M. Merged contacts are numbered sequentially as they are created.
Link contact numbers do not appear in the TMA list. Contacts marked by
the ship’s bow, hull and towed array sonar, ESM, Active Intercept, Radar
and Periscope all appear in the TMA track list and can be manipulated and
merged.
FFG Contact IDs: Your Platform ID number determines contact IDs for
contacts marked by your FFG-7 sensors. In Single Player games, your
Ownship Platform (Track) ID is always 1001. All tracks marked by any of
your sensors are numbered sequentially from that number regardless of the
sensor. The first contact marked is 1002 and numbering continues through
1299. In multiplayer games, each player’s Ownship is assigned a platform
ID as the game is loaded starting with 1001. The next player ID is
incremented by 300, so the next player’s Ownship ID is 1301, the next
1601, etc., up to 30 players. Each player’s contacts are numbered based on
their Platform ID up to 298 contacts.
Link contact numbers do not appear in the TMA list. Contacts marked by
the FFG’s towed array, hull sonar, EW sensor and sonobuoys appear in the
FFG’s TMA track list. For gameplay purposes contacts marked by the FFG
Lookout and radars also appear in TMA so that you can merge them with
contacts detected via your passive sensors. This helps clear up the Nav
Map and eliminates multiple occurrences of 3D models in one location.

Section 5: Training 5-30

TMA ON UUV S E NS O R C O NT AC TS
All controllable submarines can carry Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
(UUVs). UUVs in S.C.S. – Dangerous Waters have sonar capabilities only
and cannot launch weapons. The lines of bearing for contacts detected by a
UUV are drawn from the location of the UUV at the time of the report, not
from Ownship’s location. TMA on UUV contacts is performed as for any
other sonar contact in active or passive mode.

Section 5: Training 5-31