Target simulation system and method

A target simulation system comprising:

• a hydrophone for receiving an original acoustic test signal and converting said original acoustic test signal to an analog electrical test signal;
• an A/D converter coupled to said hydrophone for converting said analog electrical test signal to a digital test signal;
• a computer coupled to said A/D converter for modifying said digital test signal to form a simulated reflected signal emulating said original acoustic test signal reflecting from a target having a known target strength;
• a D/A converter coupled to said computer for converting said simulated reflected signal to analog format;
• and
• a projector coupled to said D/A converter for receiving said simulated reflected signal in analog format and for converting said simulated reflected signal in analog format to a simulated reflected acoustic signal.

A method of generating a target simulation signal, said method comprising:

• transmitting an acoustic test signal underwater;
• receiving said acoustic test signal and converting said acoustic test signal to an analog electrical test signal;
• digitizing said analog electrical test signal to produce a digital test signal;
• modifying said digital test signal to form a simulated reflected signal emulating said acoustic test signal reflected from a target having a known target strength;
• converting said simulated reflected signal to analog format;
• transmitting said simulated reflected signal in analog format underwater;
• and
• receiving said simulated reflected signal in analog format underwater.