VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
NOT RELEASABLE
(6) Whether the OTC is primarily concerned with alertment to allow evasion or whether he intends
further prosecution.
(7) Other sensors and weapons such as ESM or Area Air Defense fitted in the towed array unit.
c. Communications. The communication fit of a towed array ship will affect the OTC’s stationing
decision as well. Ships should not be stationed at a distance from the OTC/ASWC such that they are not capable
of passing, on a real-time basis, contact information and of receiving orders from the OTC/ASWC (see
Chapter 4). Long-range communications are required between towed array ships and the OTC/ASWC to:
(1) Station units.
(2) Report figure of merit (FOM) and contact data to the OTC/ASWC.
(3) Request and coordinate nonorganic air support (from ashore).
(4) Assign aircraft to a TAS contact prosecution.
(5) Coordinate the task force/task group response to an ASW contact.
(6) Join MPA coming on task. This may be delegated to the ASWACU (see Chapter 6 for MPA
joining procedures).
d. Mutual Support. Because of the distance at which TAS ships can operate from the force, mutual
support for TAS ships should be considered in the following areas:
(1) NOT RELEASABLE
(2) Independent Localization and Attack. The TAS ship may be provided with an independent
localizing and attacking vehicle such as a helicopter or MPA. Surface ship ASW pouncers may provide
another option.
NOT RELEASABLE
(3) Communications and Stationing Considerations. Depending on the limiting lines of
approach (LLA) and the frontal coverage desired, it may be advantageous to station towed array ships
specifically to allow for cross-fixing. In this event, it will be necessary to provide reliable communications
between the TAS ships. If equipment fitment or EMCON restrictions prevent such communications,
an acoustically quiet surface ship or an aircraft may be stationed between the TAS ships to act as a
relay unit. If it is decided to position towed array ships to enable cross-fixing, the following points are
relevant:
(a) The LLA for the anticipated threat should be covered by the TAS ships.
9-6 CHANGE 2