Can a Submarine Use Active Sonar While Submerged? Identifying Threats Without Giving Away Position

Si a submarine operator concerned with maritime security finds themselves submerged and seeks to detect potential threats using active sonar, they might wonder if it's actually feasible. Active sonar is an invaluable tool for submarines to detect objects and ships underwater, but its use comes with certain drawbacks and limitations that must be considered. This article delves into the complexities of using active sonar while submerged and explores the strategies that ensure submarine safety without compromising security.

Understanding Submarine Sonar Systems

Active sonar works by emitting sound waves that bounce off objects in the water and return to the sonar receiver, providing information about the location, size, and type of those objects. Traditional active sonar systems, however, have a downside: they can reveal the submarine's position to nearby vessels or submarines. When a submarine activates its active sonar system, it sends out a series of pulses, and on receiving the returned echoes, the system determines the distance, bearing, and nature of the objects.

Range and Effectiveness Concerns

The effective range of an active sonar system is often very limited, typically not exceeding a few kilometers. In comparison, torpedo systems like ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) have vastly longer ranges, making them more suitable for detecting threats at a safe distance. The risk of using active sonar while submerged lies in the fact that the signal is not only detectable by potential adversaries but can also provide a clear picture of the submarine's location. This is because the act of sending out a pulse actively broadcasts the submarine's presence over a considerable distance.

The Drawbacks of Using Active Sonar

One of the primary reasons why submarines typically avoid using active sonar while submerged is the risk of detection. Unlike passive sonar, which passively listens to the ambient noise of the ocean, active sonar sends out signals that can be heard by nearby submarines or ships. This is a significant vulnerability as it can reveal a submarine's position, potentially putting it at risk of being targeted or counter-attacked.

When Active Sonar is Necessary

While the general rule is to avoid active sonar while submerged, there are certain circumstances under which its use is justifiable. If a submarine is certain that they have been detected by a hostile submarine and is in the process of confirming the enemy's location, active sonar can be activated, but only as a last resort. The submarine would need to be confident about the enemy's position to maximize the chances of detecting and defending against an attack.

Additionally, in cases where the submarine needs to verify the presence of objects or ships that cannot be identified by passive means, active sonar might be employed. However, any ping sent out should be a quick, brief signal to minimize the risk of revealing the submarine's position.

Strategies for Improved Submarine Security

To improve their overall security and management of threats, submarines can adopt a range of strategies. These include:

Using passive sonar for continuous monitoring of the surrounding area, which does not reveal the submarine's position. Employing a silent running mode to reduce their acoustic signature and avoid detection. Prioritizing the use of passive signals and listening for changes in the acoustic environment that might indicate an approaching threat. Activating active sonar as a targeted and controlled action when necessary, with minimal frequency to prevent detection. Maintaining situational awareness by regularly updating on the surrounding ocean conditions, movements of other vessels, and potential threats.

Conclusion

In summary, while the use of active sonar in a submarine's submerged operations is not advisable due to the risks associated with revealing their position, it remains a crucial tool for threat detection. Submarine operators must carefully consider the context and circumstances before employing active sonar and must adopt comprehensive security measures to ensure their safety and effectiveness in maritime security.