Experimental investigations into high resolution sonar systems

Minehunting is performed today more often in shallower waters where smaller mines are more effective and burial more probable. Sonars with increased resolution, including the lower frequencies suited for sediment penetration, will be required to remain effective against this threat. A multinational Joint Research Program, entitled "Mine Detection and Classification", is investigating advanced sonar concepts for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). These will incorporate the most recent advances in sonar imaging technology: wideband sonar, bathymetric imaging, parametric and synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) and combinations of these. These techniques are also of great interest for a variety of commercial applications. The paper presents the experimental facilities, some of which are still under development, as well as the results of joint trials and scope of future work.