Low probability of detection underwater acoustic communications for mobile platforms

Abstract

Mobile underwater platforms, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), use underwater acoustic communications to form a network for command and control. Direct sequence spread spectrum signaling can be used for multi-access communications. It also provides high processing gain for communications using a low source level. Probability of detection by an intruder is minimized due to the decreased signal-to-noise ratio outside the operation area. A simple receiver algorithm is presented for DSSS communications between mobile platforms in the presence of multipaths. This paper analyzes the required source level for a given operating area and the corresponding counter detection range by a intruder.