A Shape Estimation Algorithm of Deformed Towed Array in Passive Sonar

Towed array sonar is the main equipment to detect remote underwater targets. Its tactical maneuver may induce the shape deformation of the towed array, thus reducing the spatial processing gain and increasing the target azimuth estimation error with the towed array sonar. Therefore, a shape deformation estimation method for towed array sonar has been proposed based on parabolic model and exponential model. The shape deformation of the towed array are described by using space projection of three-dimensional curve. Exploiting the information of heading sensor and pitching sensor in the towed array, a three-dimensional array shape estimation algorithm with strong robustness is proposed. The factors of heading precision and model mismatch for the estimation performance of towed array shape parameters are analyzed. It is concluded that three-dimensional towed array shape deformation can be estimated with the presented algorithm, which breaks through the limitation of plane and micro shape deformation in the towed array.