Which type of sonar is used for gathering information on submerged targets?

Dipping sonar is specifically designed for gathering information on submerged targets. This type of sonar is deployed from helicopters or other air platforms, where a sonar device is lowered into the water while the platform remains airborne. It actively collects data on underwater objects, including potential threats like submarines, by transmitting sonar waves into the water and listening for returns. This method allows for targeted searches in specific areas, making it particularly effective for reconnaissance and tracking submerged targets where other sonar methods might not provide the same level of detail or accuracy.

Surface sonar, side-scan sonar, and fixed sonar serve different purposes and are typically less effective for direct detection of submerged targets. Surface sonar is usually employed for operations that occur close to, or above, the water’s surface, while side-scan sonar is used mostly for mapping the seafloor and detecting objects lying on the ocean bottom rather than tracking submerged items. Fixed sonar systems, installed on ships or submarines, monitor surrounding waters but lack the versatility of dipping sonar in actively gathering real-time, focused data on submerged threats as they can only assess areas within a fixed range.