Multi-frame Track-before-detect Algorithm for Passive Sonar System

It has been widely verified superiority of multi-frame track-before-detect (MF - TBD) for weak-target detection and tracking. In this paper we apply MF - TBD approach to solve weak unknown and time-varying number of targets detection and tracking problem for passive sonar system with excellent concealment. MF - TBD signal processing method is exclusive developed for the passive sonar system. Compared with conventional tracking structures, MF - TBD establishes the joint estimation strategy of target kinematic states based on maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) criteria. By directly processing multi-frame unthresholded raw bearing time record (BTR) data, MF-TBD achieves energy accumulation for weak targets and improves detection performance. Finally, simulation results are performed to verify its efficiency for passive sonar system.