Which sonar is preferred to vector the MNV to a contact?

The preferred sonar to vector the Maritime Naval Vessel (MNV) to a contact is the detection sonar. This type of sonar is specifically designed to identify the presence of contacts in the water and provides the initial information necessary to assess their position. Detection sonar operates by sending out sound waves and listening for their echoes, enabling operators to determine the distance and direction to potential contacts.

In the context of vectoring, detection sonar serves as the critical first step in locating a contact, allowing the MNV to maneuver towards it effectively. Once a contact is detected, additional sonars may be employed for classification and identification, but the primary function of detecting contacts is essential in the initial navigation and vectoring process.

Other sonar functions such as tracking, classifying, and identifying serve different purposes; tracking involves monitoring the movement of previously detected contacts, classifying focuses on determining the type of contact, and identifying aims at providing specific characteristics about the contact. However, none of these functions is as vital for the initial phase of directing the MNV towards a contact as detection sonar.