Linearized iterative method for determining effects of vessel attitude error on single-beacon localization

Single-beacon localization is an advanced (and relatively new) acoustic localization technique. The traditional single-beacon uses non-linear trajectories to localize underwater vessels, which has notable drawbacks in actual underwater operations. To mitigate the limitations associated with non-linear trajectories, we developed an innovative single-beacon localization with linear trajectories. The traditional linearized least square method is not suited to linear trajectories, so we developed a linearized iterative method that includes a virtual long baseline array to analyze the effects of vessel attitude error on single-beacon localization results. We simulated the forward velocity, number of beacons, distance measurement period, and vessel heading impact on horizontal localization. The results showed that according to the proposed analysis method, localization precision is strongly dependent on vessel attitude error.