A real time system for towed array calibration and performance analysis, or how to get 50 dB sidelobes from a towed array

Abstract

Sidelobe suppression levels of 30 dB for a towed array are generally considered excellent; values above that are considered exceptional or unachievable. However, 40 t o 50 dB suppression levels have been achieved and maintained throughout most of the measurements conducted withi n the last two years with SACLANTCEN's towed array and can be considered the norm rather than the exception. The key to achieving and maintaining this high level of performance is to keep the system free from faults and properly groomed. The techniques by which degraded performance is detected in real-time are discussed and illustrated by examples from past measurements. When the faults were repaired, the system performance returned to its usual high level. Similar techniques could be implemented by other researchers, with high expectations of receiviing similar performance from their towed-array sonars.