High frequency side scan sonar for target reacquisition and identification

The increasing use of small unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV´s) for scientific, military and security applications has led to the development of new sensor technologies. Key among these has been the development of small, light, cost-effective side scan sonar systems, enabling small vehicles such as the REMUS and CETUS II to perform a variety of survey-type missions. New developments in side scan technology are increasing the capabilities of these systems, going beyond the simple detection of targets. Use of high frequencies such as 1.2 and 2.4 MHz can provide a sufficient degree of resolution for the recognition and identification of targets. The performance of these sonar systems will be discussed, as well as factors affecting performance such as speed, altitude, depression angle, and vehicle system interference.