High-Res Gap-filling Sonar for UUV

BlueView Technologies delivered a new sonar to Hydroid Inc. as part of an Atlas Elektronik UK project for the UK Ministry Of Defence. The new 2.25 MHz sonar (MB2250) was integrated into a Hydroid REMUS 100 UUV section to provide high-resolution 2D and 3D imagery for side scan gap-filling and target identification in the region directly below the UUV typically associated with side scan coverage gaps. The Atlas Elektronik UK Classiphi software fuses the BlueView gap-filling sonar data with the side scan sonar data gathered by the REMUS 100 to provide seamless imagery across the entire swath.

The Capability Concept Demonstrator (CCD) project, conducted on behalf of the Defence Equipment & Support Programmes & Technology Group, will enable the MoD to understand the capabilities that recent commercial and military UUV technology maturity could bring to future Mine Counter Measurement (MCM) operations.

BlueView was selected by the Atlas and Hydroid team to create a fully integrated UUV sonar system that delivered identification level imagery and increased area coverage. "The imagery and data delivered by the BlueView 3D MicroBathymetry sonar are impressive, and the single-pass coverage area is nearly doubled to dramatically improve coverage rates" stated Kevan Murphy, the technical lead on the CCD programme at Atlas Elektronik UK.

Graham Lester, Director of Hydroid Europe said "The combination of the new BlueView 3D sonar, Hydroid REMUS 100 and Atlas Classiphi post processing software delivers a unique new autonomous seabed survey capability. The seamless bottom coverage significantly reduces mission time, providing full swath coverage classification data on targets of interest." Based on the success of the demonstrations the UK MOD has now contracted with Hydroid to equip a Royal Navy REMUS 100 vehicle with the MB2250 sonar.

"The delivery of this new gap-filling solution to the Atlas and Hydroid team is the direct result of our recent investments in 3D underwater visualisation and leverages our latest 2.25 MHz MicroBathymetry technology. It is the first gap-filling solution that provides both side-scan quality 2D gap coverage as well as 3D imagery in a compact, UUV-compatible package" stated Lee Thompson, BlueView CEO/CTO.

BlueView is the leader in 2D imaging and 3D scanning sonar technology with more than 400 installed systems worldwide. BlueView Technologies' advanced sonar systems are currently deployed on AUVs, ROVs, surface vessels, fixed positions, and portable platforms, and have been adopted by leading manufacturers and service providers to support mission critical operations.

BlueView customers enjoy a low cost of ownership with reliable operation, exceptional service, inperson training, extensive online information, and worldwide after-sale support.