Non-traditional Sonar Waveform Evaluation

Torpedo sonar systems will soon be capable of operating over much wider bandwidths than previously possible, enabled by technology insertions with improved transducers, T/R electronics, and signal processors. The numerical modeling performed in the Phase I program suggests that a class of wideband acoustic waveforms could reduce the vulnerability to echo-repeater decoys while maintaining full sensitivity against actual targets of interest. The proposed waveforms provide unambiguous range response over time delays of at least 10 seconds, countering decoys which replay prior pulses to simulate range pull-in effects. The proposed waveforms also feature dynamically-scheduled frequency hopping, designed to minimize predictability and detectability. The proposed Phase II program provides further validation of the non-periodic pulsed wideband waveforms through static in-water testing at the Navy Acoustic Test Facility at Lake Seneca, NY.