Multistatic sonar: a road to a maritime network enabled capability

Abstract

NATO's operational requirements emphasize interoperability of platforms participating in coalition task forces. Intelligently fusing data of multiple sensor systems and the development of adapted tactics are necessary steps towards a truly network enabled capability with improved performance. In the last decade NURC has been a key player

in the field of multistatic sonar research and experimentation. Technical feasibility of the

concept has been assessed in a variety of multistatic settings and assets in collaboration with different partners across NATO. Good

progress has been made in the field of tracking and data fusion. Moreover, a multistatic tactical

planning aid (MSTPA) is currently under development, which will make tactical evaluation and optimisation of maritime sensor networks possible.

This paper summarises the progress to date and describes the current state-of-the-art. It also addresses ideas for the near future that include evolution of the multistatics concept towards a network enabled capability.