Low-Frequency Synthetic Aperture Sonar System for the Detection of Objects Buried in Mud
conference paper
Naval mines, underwater improvised explosive devices (UW-IEDs), and underwater unexploded
ordnance (UW-UXO) are concerns for harbour security. In conditions without burial, existing
commercial systems, such as the REMUS unmanned underwater vehicle equipped with a (very)
high frequency side scan sonar (900/1800 kHz), may be deployed for detection and classification.
However, it is common that bottom conditions in harbours are such that objects may become
covered by mud and sometimes by sand. In the case of burial, a high-frequency sonar system
cannot detect objects due to its limited penetration depth. To counter the threat of buried objects
in mud, a low frequency (LF: 4-26 kHz) side looking synthetic aperture sonar (SAS)
demonstrator system has been developed. This type of system has a bottom penetrating detection
potential, combined with a considerable swath. Even with a limited speed of advance (e.g. 2-4
kts) an operationally relevant area coverage rate can be obtained. The system performance has
been evaluated in trials in the Haringvliet, an estuary in the Netherlands, conducted in close
collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). In these trials, it is confirmed that the
LF SAS system is capable of detecting buried objects that are not detected by REMUS.
Furthermore, buried objects are detected at ranges up to four times the water depth, indicating
that a relevant area coverage rate can be achieved
ordnance (UW-UXO) are concerns for harbour security. In conditions without burial, existing
commercial systems, such as the REMUS unmanned underwater vehicle equipped with a (very)
high frequency side scan sonar (900/1800 kHz), may be deployed for detection and classification.
However, it is common that bottom conditions in harbours are such that objects may become
covered by mud and sometimes by sand. In the case of burial, a high-frequency sonar system
cannot detect objects due to its limited penetration depth. To counter the threat of buried objects
in mud, a low frequency (LF: 4-26 kHz) side looking synthetic aperture sonar (SAS)
demonstrator system has been developed. This type of system has a bottom penetrating detection
potential, combined with a considerable swath. Even with a limited speed of advance (e.g. 2-4
kts) an operationally relevant area coverage rate can be obtained. The system performance has
been evaluated in trials in the Haringvliet, an estuary in the Netherlands, conducted in close
collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). In these trials, it is confirmed that the
LF SAS system is capable of detecting buried objects that are not detected by REMUS.
Furthermore, buried objects are detected at ranges up to four times the water depth, indicating
that a relevant area coverage rate can be achieved
Topics
TNO Identifier
462526
Source title
Proceedings of the European Conference on Undersea Defence Technology, UDT Europe 2012, May 29-31, Alicante, Spain
Place of publication
Swanley, Kent
Files
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