at the present time as the most reliable and efficient platforms. 

 In the absence of ships, aircraft and moored telemetering stations 

 can be used. 



Figure 12.1 schematically shows the synoptic reporting network 

 for the ASWEPS system. ASWEPS in its present form is confined 

 to the western North Atlantic; a complete service test is planned 

 for this area during 1965. Experiments are already being carried 

 out in other areas; it is highly probable that the ASWEPS progrann 

 will be extended to other oceans if it is successful. Evaluation 

 of the systenn is not waiting for a service test; individual end pro- 

 ducts are being released to the Fleet as soon as they are developed. 

 Therefore, in a very limited sense, ASWEPS is currently opera- 

 tional. 



Figure 12.1 illustrates the two synoptic networks in the ASWEPS 

 program. One is the regional net designed to provide a gross pic- 

 ture of the entire ASWEPS area; the other is the mobile net which 

 provides detailed information necessary for ASW tactical decisions 

 in a small, restricted operating area. The various types of 

 potential platforms in each network are indicated in the margins 

 of figure 12. 1. 



It should be clear that, while ASWEPS instrumentation should 

 be as precise and efficient as possible, heavier emphasis should 

 be placed on certain characteristics than would be the case in the 

 development of ordinary research or survey equipment. Liberal 

 use of ships of opportunity and aircraft, coupled with the require- 

 ment to transmit the data ashore for immediate availability, are 

 factors which must be considered. 



Figure 12,2 indicates some of the special qualities to be 

 emphasized. The emphasis on ease of operation, simplicity of 

 maintenance, and reliability stem from the fact that few of the ob- 

 servations will be obtained by professional oceanographer s. The 

 requirements for speed of operation and rapid data transmission 

 are inherent in the synoptic problem itself; compatibility will be 

 mandatory if data from a variety of platfornns are to mean anything 

 when analyzed. To achieve these objectives, it will be necessary 

 in many cases to sacrifice depth, precision, and number of varia- 

 bles sensed --a procedure that would not be tolerated in research 

 or survey operations. 



Based on the above facts, the most logical way to proceed 



130 



