Continuous
Transmission Frequency Modulated (CTFM) sonar was originally
developed for deep diving manned submersibles.
Later, CTFM systems
served as search, obstacle avoidance and navigation sonars on deep
diving submarines, ROVs and towed
bodies. CTFM systems have also served to protect harbor
entrances and ships at anchor as well as many other critical
operations where long range and high detection probability were in
demand.
The versatility of the
CTFM and its long-range, high resolution and fast information rate
made these systems extremely effective for bottom navigation, obstacle
avoidance and search operations. The highly effective beacon
location mode has played an important role on many occasions to
locate downed aircraft emergency pingers and other acoustic
devices.
