Conclusions 



Based on limited data from the evaluation flight of January 30, we conclude that MSS 

 5000 has the same detection capability as the film. The operator's choice of the range of 

 the display is critical to the operator's ability to locate a target on the image shown on the 

 screen. The data compression required for the primary display used by the operator 

 should not exceed two by two pixels. Displaying the data at full resolution is preferable. 



More important is the performance of the MSS 5000 in detecting the five icebergs during 

 the flight. Of the 24 detection opportunities against medium icebergs, there were 23 

 detections (96%). The two medium icebergs used for the test were on the low end of the 

 medium scale according to length and neither fit the medium size criterion for height. 

 Thus, these were particularly difficult targets given the high sea state on the test date. 



The performance against small icebergs was not nearly as good, with 18 detections in 32 

 detection opportunities (56%). The smallest iceberg (18 meters) accounted for 12 of the 

 14 detection misses. This iceberg was barely in the small size range (15 to 60 meters) 

 according to length, hence was a particularly challenging target in high states. 



When the results from April 29 and May 2 are combined, the tests showed good 

 detection performance against small icebergs (42 of 44 opportunities) in relatively low 

 seas (~1 .5 meters). The detection performance against growlers was mixed. On the 

 first day, there were 27 detections in 38 opportunities. The detection failures seemed to 

 be related to long range, low gain settings, or the fact that the growlers were obscured by 

 waves. On the second date, with only a minor increase in wave height, from 1 .5 to 2 

 meters, there were no detections by either the SLAR or the FLAR. 



Based on field testing. Ice Patrol found that the MSS 5000 display system meets its 

 operational iceberg reconnaissance needs. When the SLAR images are displayed at full 

 resolution, the MSS 5000 has the same or slightly better iceberg detection capability 

 than the film. During the tests, many recommendations were developed to refine the 

 user interface. 



The system was evaluated and used operationally on 29 iceberg reconnaissance patrols 

 during the 2001 season. Due to a light iceberg season fewer than 100 icebergs were 

 detected with the new system. However, the detection of over 1 000 ships allowed 

 operators to gain experience operating the system in various environmental conditions. 

 Subsequent opportunities for iceberg detection are expected to increase operator 

 experience with the system. 



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