Computer mission simulation for parametric design of undersea vehicles

The next generation of deep submersible ocean vehicles will require that more effective design approaches be utilized to achieve the full performance potential of this type of vehicle. Possible design shortcomings can be anticipated and corrected for through the exercise of a properly constructed computer program that models the salient features of the vehicle, its subsystems, the environment, and any specific operational mission requirements. A model has been developed by Sperry to assist in the design of deep submersible vehicles and their major subsystems, including sensors, propulsion unit, energy package, and vehicle structures. A variety of vehicle types manned or unmanned, tethered or independent, small or large can be modeled, as well as a variety of target and ocean bottom terrain features and mission profiles. The model consists of a 3700-statement Fortran V program having 34 subroutines. The program can provide an evaluation of the sensitivity of the significant vehicle performance measures to variations in design parameters. Computer generated graphs are presented to illustrate the utility of the model in several design problems including parameter determinations of propulsion system rating, weight, and size and navigation sensor accuracy requirements.