Magnetic Anomaly Detectors

In the context of aviation, Magnetic Anomaly Detectors (MAD) are instruments used to detect minute variations in the Earth's magnetic field. The principle behind the operation of MAD is that magnetic materials cause disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field, which can be detected by sensitive magnetometers. In aviation, these devices are primarily used in anti-submarine warfare, as submarines, being large metal objects, cause significant disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field. MAD equipment is typically mounted on aircraft and flown over areas of water to detect submerged submarines. The detection process involves flying a pattern over the search area and observing the MAD equipment for indications of a magnetic anomaly. When an anomaly is detected, it indicates the possible presence of a submarine. However, MAD has a relatively short detection range, so the aircraft must fly low and slow over the search area, making it vulnerable to anti-aircraft systems. Despite this, MAD remains a key tool in anti-submarine warfare due to its ability to detect submarines regardless of their depth or the materials used in their construction.