The application of the correlation sonar to autonomous underwater vehicle navigation

The performance of navigational systems used in autonomous underwater vehicles will be enhanced by the addition of a precision velocity sensor. This velocity information can be provided accurately by either correlation velocity log (CVL) or Doppler sonar system. CVL sonar utilizes time-domain measurement techniques. The CVL has the advantage that it can provide this information at stand-off distances far in excess of those obtainable with a Doppler sonar. In addition the CVL can achieve this improved performance with less size, weight, and power consumption. A next-generation CVL designed specifically for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) applications is currently under development. A description of this system, including the most recent advances in CVL technology, algorithm improvements, and miniaturized packaging, is given