Method and apparatus for preforming mutations in a genetic algorithm-based underwater target tracking system

A method for performing mutations in a genetic algorithm-based underwater acoustic contact tracking system includes the steps of: (i) providing an initially ordered list of bit numbers; (ii) selecting a random number from a uniform distribution of numbers; (iii) performing an inverse mapping of the selected random number via a binomial distribution, to determine a number of bits to mutate; (iv) determining if mutation is to be performed; (v) selecting particular bits to mutate; (vi) complementing selected bits; and (vii) outputting mutated contact state variables. The invention further contemplates a system for performing the above method.