A target recognition system and method wherein only target amplitude data, i.e., coherent A-scan data, is interrogated for target recognition. Target aspect angle is ignored within the angular segmentation of the feature library without degrading classification performance. Observed signature characteristics are collected at various aspect angles and through unknown and arbitrary roll, pitch and yaw motions of each anticipated target and provided to a neural network as training sets. The neural network forms feature vectors for each target class which are useful for valid classification comparisons in all sea states, especially in calm and littoral waters. These feature vectors are useful for valid classification comparisons over at least 30 degrees of target aspect angle.