Method for Automatic Path Planning of Underwater Vehicles Considering Ambient Noise Fields

To tackle the problem of existing underwater vehicle covert path planning methods ignoring ambient noise fields, an automated path planning method based on a statistically characterized environmental noise field is proposed. The method involves constructing a background noise spectrum level model using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and wind speed data. Then, a Range-Dependent Acoustic Model (RAM) is integrated to generate a statistically significant 10th percentile noise field. The result is subsequently incorporated into the sonar equation to develop a noise-considerate concealment effectiveness model, which serves as input for a noise-considerate A* path planning algorithm. Comparative analyses of path planning results demonstrate that, within the studied maritime domain, the noise-prioritized path exhibits a statistically significant reduction in the median detection range by approximately 17%, a 50% reduction in the minimum detection range, and a 20% reduction in the maximum detection range, relative to alternative paths planned with a fixed noise level assumption.