A synthetic aperture sonar image processing system

Synthetic aperture techniques are well established in radar systems but are, however, relatively novel in sonar systems. The advantages gained from the use of a synthetic aperture, i.e., the resolution potential of a long array with the convenience of use of a small array system, still apply for sonar usage, and the much lower frequencies involved compared to radar systems would seem to indicate that the application of this technique to the sub-sea environment would be a relatively straight forward matter. However, in practice, many problems are encountered when trying to implement such a system not least of which is the very hostile conditions presented to signals being transmitted through the sea