1997 



1998 



1999 



2000 



2001 



I Patrol Hours ■ Transit Hours H Research Hours ■ Logistics Hours 



Figure 10. Breakdown of flight hours (1997-2001). 



Differentiating among types of 

 targets on the Grand Banks is a continuous 

 challenge for IIP reconnaissance. Visibility 

 is frequently poor and targets are often 

 identified solely from their radar image. 

 Both SLAR and FLAR provide valuable 

 clues about the identity of targets. 

 However, in most cases, FLAR's superior 

 imaging capability provides definitive target 

 identification. Figure 12 displays the 

 numbers and types of targets detected by 

 reconnaissance patrols during the 2001 

 season. Of 98 icebergs detected, 57% 

 were detected and identified with radar 

 only, demonstrating HP's reliance on radar 



2500 



2000 



87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 



I Hours — Icebergs 



Figure 1 1 . Flight hours versus icebergs south of 48°N. 



identification. However, determining 

 whether a radar target is an iceberg or a 

 vessel is difficult with small vessels and 

 small icebergs. The Grand Banks is a 

 major fishing area frequented by fishing 

 vessels ranging in size from 60 to over 200 

 feet. Small vessels and small Icebergs 

 sometimes present similar radar returns 

 and cannot be differentiated. When there 

 are no clear distinguishing features, the 

 target is classified as a radar target. 



Since 1997, the Grand Banks region 

 has been rapidly developed for its oil 

 reserves. In November 1997, Hibernia, a 

 gravity-based oil production platform, was 

 set in position approximately 150 NM 

 offshore on the northeastern portion of the 

 Grand Banks. Each year, there are 

 several mobile drilling rigs in the Terra 

 Nova and White Rose drilling fields on the 

 Grand Banks. Increased development has 

 increased air and surface traffic in HP's 

 area of responsibility, further complicating 

 reconnaissance efforts. This emphasizes 

 the need to pursue technological 

 innovations in reconnaissance equipment 

 and strategy. 



12 



