Linear prediction for aperture extrapolation in line array beamforming

Linear predictive extrapolation of line-array sensor data coupled with conventional beamforming is examined with respect to its mean performance. Equivalence of the extrapolation whether performed in the data or covariance domain is shown. The gain in signal-to-noise ratio, compared to that provided by beamforming unextrapolated data, is described in terms of a simple mathematical model. It is shown that useful extrapolation of array aperture is possible for practical SNR´s.