BISTATIC SYNTHETIC APERTURE SONAR CONCEPT FOR MCM AUV NETWORKS

Abstract

Recent progress in underwater robotics and acoustic communication has led to the development of a new paradigm in ocean science and technology, the Autonomous Ocean Sampling Network (AOSN). AOSN consists of a network of xed moorings and/or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), tied together by stateof-the-art acoustic communication technology. The GOATS'2000 (Generic Oceanographic Array Technology Systems) Joint Research Program is aimed toward the development of environmentally adaptive AOSN technology speci cally directed toward Rapid Environmental Assessment and Mine Counter Measures in coastal environments. The research program combines theory and modeling of the 3-D environmental acoustics with experiments involving AOSN and sensor technology. [Work supported