Midfrequency Towed Array Synthetic Aperture Sonar

Dynamics Technology, Inc. (DTI), Vexcel, Inc. and Sandia National Laboratory will evaluate the feasibility of applying advanced processing techniques (SLS and SAS) to the Navy midfrequency sonar. In particular, we will assess a "towed array synthetic aperture sonar" (TASAS) architecture, compare its performance with sidelooking sonar (SLS) for meeting specific Navy missions, and develop an optimum system in terms of performance, risk and cost. The key technical issues will be motion compensation, development of appropriate autofocus algorithms, and suppression of shallow water noise. DTI is currently developing a state-of-the-art SAS for ARPA and has created a unique set of design and simulation tools; in particular, a high fidelity end-to-end SAS/SLS simulator that incorporates all system components and signal processing. This simulation will serve as the primary analysis tool to assure a high-confidence Phase II prototype. Vexcel and Sandia will apply specialized techniques in SAR/SAS processing to address motion compensation, autofocus and shallow water noise. Several primary system design points and options have been developed in the proposal to illustrate the fundamental soundness of the proposed approach. A recommended design will be selected based on the Phase I feasibility study, and engineering requirements for a Phase II demonstration will be identified.