Method of array extension for linear arrays

The present invention belongs to the technical field of array beamforming and discloses a method of array extension for linear arrays. The method includes: 5 acquiring a received signal of a linear array; dividing the linear array into two sub-arrays according to odd and even array elements; calculating a covariance matrix of the received signals of the two sub-arrays composed of odd and even array elements; constructing an extended receiving array signal according to the covariance matrix of the received signals of the two sub-arrays composed of odd and even array 10 elements; and using conventional beamforming or minimum variance distortionless response beamforming method to perform beamforming and target detection. The present invention solves the problems in the existing linear array extension method of degraded performance and poor robustness at low signal-to-noise ratio, required non-circular symmetry for a source signal which has limitations in application, 15 complicated array extension process, and high computational complexity which are limitations in application.