Table 2-3.—TESS (3) Environmental Programs—Continued
PROGRAM
APPLICATION
CONSIDERATIONS
Raytrace
Graphically displays the interaction Raytrace uses a single SSP thus the
between the environment and the
sound speeds generated by this
sound energy propagating through
program are controlled by depth but
it. Traces and displays paths of
individual sound rays.
not range. Ray diagrams are
sensitive to user’s selection of
launch angle, source depth,
bathymetry, and sound speed.
Tidal Prediction (TIDES)
Forecasts tidal heights for any
location for which observed tide
data is available.
Tidal currents are not predicted.
Impacts of storm surge and surf
conditions are not addressed. Tidal
height extremes predicted to the
nearest 6 minutes.
Naval Search and Rescue
Provides search assistance by
Search plans include the type of
(NAVSAR)
assessing the probability of the
object, density of the search area,
search object location.
and sweep paths for visual and
Recommends specific search plans.
electronic sensors.
Surf Forecasting (SURF)
Provides predictions of surf
Tidal data may not be complete.
conditions as ocean waves move
Variable bottom features can
from deep water through the surf
invalidate earlier data.
zone and onto shore. Modified Surf
Index (MSI) is also calculated.
Passive Acoustic Propagation Loss
Calculates transmission loss as a
Systems are preset for an
(PPL)
function of range, frequency, source omnidirectional sonobuoy
depth, and receiver depth. These
Minimum range and range
calculations are used to predict
increments are preset to
USW sensor system performance.
1,000 yards. Horizontal
homogeneity of the watermass is
assumed.
Generalized Range-dependent
Acoustic Driver (GENRAD)
Aids the use of the Navy Standard
Many considerations; refer to TESS
range-dependent passive prop loss
3.0 User’s Guide.
models. Provides a means to
position on-scene and historical
SSPs along a specific line of
bearing for further acoustic
calculations.
Sensor Performance Predictions
(SPP)
Calculates sensor performance
Noise characteristics of U.S. and
predictions using platform and
Russian-built platforms are class
sensor characteristics.
averages. Can be used for counter-
detection. Each threat platform can
be characterized by a maximum of
20 narrowband and/or broadband
signature frequencies. Many
considerations; refer to TESS 3.0
User’s Guide.
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