Bearing Estimation Using Random Arrays.
Abstract
A sonobuoy field is a random two dimensional array if the signals from the sensors are coherently processed. The sensor position coordinates must be estimated to a fraction of a wavelength in order to coherently process the signals, which is a separate processing task since the field has a changing random pattern due to drifting of the buoys. This paper reviews the statistical properties of the maximum likelihood bearing estimator computed from coherent summation of output signals from randomly deployed sensors. It is shown that the approximate mean-square bearing error for a small random array favorably compares with that for a square array of equally spaced sensors with about one-half the aperture. The random array is not subject to the aliasing (grating lobes) problem of an equally spaced array, and a great deal of array gain can be achieved from a large array of randomly placed sensors. Serious consideration should be given to tracking the locations of drifting sonobuoys so as to coherently process them as an array.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117531
Entities
People
- Melvin J. Hinich
Organizations
- Virginia Tech