What is the term used for a ship's sonar blind spot?

The term used for a ship's sonar blind spot is "baffles." This refers to areas around a vessel where sonar cannot effectively detect underwater objects or submarines due to the physical structure of the ship or the limitations of the sonar technology itself. Baffles occur primarily because the sonar signal can be obstructed by the ship's hull, leading to areas beneath or around the ship that are not adequately covered by sonar scanning.

Understanding this concept is crucial for naval operations, as it highlights the limitations of sonar technology and emphasizes the need for strategic positioning and maneuvering to ensure adequate surveillance and detection capabilities. The term reflects the specific characteristic of sonar systems where certain angles or proximity to the ship result in decreased detection efficacy.