Analysis of sonar clutter using backscattered spatial correlation

Abstract

Sonar clutter events are one of the primary limitations of long-range active sonar systems within the littoral environment. For this reason, research towards understanding their acoustic return characteristics and ultimately their mitigation are of high importance. This paper discusses measurements and modeling of the backscattered horizontal correlation function from clutter events and comparison with returns from the littoral environment. A statistical model for returns from boundaries, as well as general expectations of returns from common clutter sources will be discussed. The horizontal correlation function is estimated via sub-aperture beamforming of the Five Octave Research Array (FORA), a towed line array system owned and operated by Penn State and funded by the Office of Naval Research. [Work supported by Office of Naval Research.]