Coherent Active Sonar Waveform Analysis Using Pressure/Velocity Phase Comparison for Improved Detection and Classification

Existing Air ASW multistatic sonar search systems do not fully exploit all of the scattering information available in the acoustic field. This project seeks to further demonstrate that multistatic target echoes affect the acoustic field in a manner that allows one to differentiate target from non-target energy by using vector sensor quantities. During Phase I, we will examine target features using data from new vector sensor target scattering experiments that extends the work of previous research. We will use a signal subspace approach to develop new vector sensor algorithms that improve upon intensity based methods for the detection of forward scatter targets. In addition to the forward scatter cross range intensity phase anomaly feature, we will examine the potential of extracting cross range features in other geometries. During Phase I, we will also reanalyze existing data sets from experiments that contain vector sensors and target scattering to show improved detection and classification performance. In this way, Signal Systems Corporation will demonstrate the proof of concept of new discrimination clues in scattering regimes that have high target strength and a current paucity of physics based features.