Broadband vs narrowband sonar

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Originally Posted by Shadowmind

:hmm: Not sure what you mean by this. I didn't think my question was getting into classified areas.

So, in general, you would most likely pick up a contact in broadband first, and then over time start to sort out the tonals? Is there a difference in the sphere sonar vs towed arrays? One thing my simulation didn't model is the ability of different sensors to pick up signals. I've read that towed arrays, with the longer pick up area, is better at picking up lower frequency signals. But does that translate into a better ability to pick up tonals?

Thanks, This stuff just fascinates me.

BTW: Dr. Sid, I've enjoyed messing around with your ray tracing programs. They are very interesting.

The question didn't just the answer could. But didn't.

Some times broadband first but platforms that have been built with acoustic silence in mind will be seen with NB first and may in fact never give much BB levels. The TA is great at low freq tonals and the sphere at the higher freqs. The hull array is middle of the road. A lot can be gained by looking at what tonals are picked up first and what ones are missing or very week. You can even get to the point of knowing about a defect or special equipment on a specific platform and being able to identify/track a specific ship based on data collected by others when recording that platform. Digital tapes of all acoustic and electronic intercepts from a boat are gone over not just by ships crew but by other parties long after the mission has passed.