Enhancing the Searching Efficiency of Flight Recorder Through the Near Real-Time Localization
Journal
2025 IEEE Underwater Technology, UT 2025
Part Of
2025 IEEE Underwater Technology, UT 2025
Start Page
1
End Page
6
Date Issued
2025-03-02
Author(s)
Wang, Yen-Ting
Lu, Bing-Hao
Hu, Wei-Chun
Fang, Yin-Ying
Lai, Jain-Wu
Yang, Wun-Rong
Zou, Jai-Ping
Wang, Zi-Wei
Abstract
The Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB), attached to flight recorders, transmits continuous signals upon water immersion to aid in recovery operations. Timely localization is critical due to the limited operational lifespans of ULBs: 30 days for DK120 (37.5 kHz) and 90 days for DK180 (8.8 kHz). This study developed a near-real-time localization system using a towed hydrophone array to detect ULB signals and dynamically adjust search operations. Field experiments were conducted off the coast of Liuqiu Island under varying ocean currents and vessel speeds to evaluate the system's performance. Results demonstrated the adaptability and stability of the system, significantly enhancing search efficiency. By incorporating real-time feedback from electronic compasses, accelerometers, and depth sensors, the heading and attitude of the towed array were accurately monitored, reducing bearing angle errors. Dynamic heading correction reduced positioning errors from 650 meters to 70 meters during operations, demonstrating the critical role of real-time attitude correction in underwater localization. The workflow integrated three key steps: (1) drop point analysis to estimate the search area using radar disappearance points and acoustic modeling, (2) near-real-time localization using TDOA-based signal processing and grid probability statistical methods, and (3) dynamic route adjustment to narrow the search area and focus resources. The DK180's 8.8 kHz signal was particularly effective in deep-sea environments, offering longer transmission ranges and higher signal-to-noise ratios than the DK120. This study's findings highlight the potential of near-real-time localization systems to improve search and rescue operations for flight recorders, enhancing both efficiency and positioning accuracy in underwater environments.
Event(s)
2025 IEEE Underwater Technology, UT 2025, Taipei, 2 March 2025 through 5 March 2025. Code 208171
Subjects
Acoustic Ray Theory
Flight Recorder
Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA)
Towed Hydrophone Array
Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB)
Publisher
IEEE
Type
conference paper