What is the purpose of dipping sonar?

Dipping sonar is primarily used to gather detailed information about underwater targets. This includes obtaining range, bearing, Doppler information, and collecting target echoes. The system operates by lowering a sonar transducer into the water, allowing for more precise measurements and better detection of objects beneath the surface.

The ability to derive Doppler information is particularly significant, as it helps in assessing the movement of underwater targets. When the sonar transducer is submerged, it can effectively send and receive sound waves in the water, enabling the collection of echoes from objects, which are then analyzed to determine their distance and direction. This capability is essential for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Navigating underwater obstacles relies on different systems and does not involve the specific functions that dipping sonar provides. While underwater drones may communicate using sonars, that is not the primary purpose of dipping sonar systems. Detecting surface ships generally involves other sonar types or radar systems, which are designed for tracking objects that are above the waterline, rather than submerged threats.