VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
9109 TOWED ARRAY ZERO-PIM OPERATIONS
Towed array ships may also be employed in zero-PIM operations such as barrier patrols, defended
lanes, and area surveillance. The OTC should consider these factors:
a. Selection of Station Size. In direct support operations, the OTC will have to decide on the
size of the area to be allocated to a towed array ship. The size of the area allocated will depend on the expected
initial PSR for the sensor involved against the anticipated threat. The actual size should be such that
the revisit time throughout the area should be small enough to ensure the target cannot complete a transit
through the area between TAS ship visits.
b. Selection of Search Type. When applied to towed array searchers, the sweep width should
be replaced by the expected PSR. The specific type of search will depend on the actual operation. For example,
to search an area of probability (AOP) or datum, the expanding square search may provide the best
results whereas for defended lane operations, a linear or crossover patrol may be appropriate.
NOT RELEASABLE
9110 ASW HELICOPTERS
9111 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Stationing of helicopter carrying escorts in the screen should be made, if possible, to provide optimum
relative wind to facilitate launch and recovery without having the escorts leave their assigned sectors.
ASW helicopters may be fitted with sonobuoys, processors, dipping active/passive sonar, airborne
radars, FLIR, MAD, ESM and/or ASW torpedoes and depth bombs. When tasked within a force, they may
be considered as force assets or as extensions to ship’s sensors and weapon systems. Helicopters fitted with
sonobuoys and processors may be tasked in the same way as direct support fixed-wing aircraft. Screening
stations for helicopters fitted with ASW sensors should be selected using similar considerations to those
for surface units (see Article 9101).
NOT RELEASABLE
9112 ASW HELICOPTER EMPLOYMENT
ASW helicopters may be allocated for screening duties as indicated in Chapter 3 and may also be ordered
to carry out other ASW tasks.
NOT RELEASABLE
9113 — 9119 SPARE
9-8 ORIGINAL