Dominating the underwater battlespace: The rise of multi-aperture sonar

Multi-Aperture Sonar (MAS) systems have been designed to deliver high-frequency, high-resolution, and long-range imaging data to improve the probability of detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO), mine-like objects, and improvised explosive devices (IED) while minimising the probability of false alarms.

MAS outperforms traditional side-scan in virtually all underwater environments and is also known to deliver data approximating synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) at a fraction of the power required. Where MAS truly comes into its own is when operating in shallow to very shallow waters (SW, VSW) across the littoral. In these waters, the acoustic environment is particularly hostile. The output from traditional side-scan and synthetic apertures sonars (SAS) is affected by higher order multi-path reverberation, unstable velocity of sound profiles, often unknown, as well as significant bathymetry, baseline decorrelation effects and platforms that are unstable. The result is far less reliable end sonar products with greater impact to longer range systems. This is particularly acute in tidal and riverine environments.

However, the ease of MAS operations is not to be underestimated when planning a deep-water campaign. Effective operations save time and money.

Because MAS is simple to operate it can be easily integrated into your application. The following are just a few examples in the public domain that illustrate where Solstice MAS from our technology partner Wavefront Systems has been integrated:

• Viperfish ROTV: This remotely operated towed vehicle manufactured by our technology partner EIVA, has been specifically designed to deliver a next-generation mine hunting capability to uncrewed surface vessels.

• L3Harris Iver 4 AUV: As part of a combined module with Voyis insight optical systems providing a one of a kind classify and identify capability.

• The Triton from Ocean Aero: This hybrid platform capable of sailing to a remote location and diving to acquire high quality seabed data. Read more here.

• Autosub Long Range AUV: A long range autonomous underwater vehicle manufactured by the National Oceanographic Centre. Find out more by following this link.

• Bluefin-9 and Bluefin-12 AUVs from GDMS: Equipped as standard and chosen to support the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 1778 programme.

• Seasword 2 USV: Selected Solstice as payload to deliver an MCM capability. For more information visit this news site.

• Double Eagle SAROV from SAAB: An MCM power horse, used to provide on stride classification, identification and neutralisation capabilities.

Some key differentiation is follows:

• Performance to power ratio: No other system produces highly detailed mine-hunting data while hardly making a dent on the hotel load of the host platform.

• Performance in shallow waters: In depths of up to 30 m depth, SAS or lower frequency side-scans can be affected by multipath effects from the surface and seafloor. For some SAS systems these effects can compromise as much as 50% of their swath. For Solstice, the impact will typically be less than 10%.

• Simpler to operate: Unlike SAS, Solstice is simple to plan for as the range remains constant regardless of vehicle speed. There is no risk of a data holiday caused by sudden accelerations from currents. The result is more predictable and simpler to manage surveys.

Did you know that a version of Solstice exists that doubles the along-track resolution. The S4000  is longer and consumes more power, 37 W including on-board real time processing, but delivers improved performance to support identification of smaller targets across the whole 200 m swath.

If you would like to find out more please don’t hesitate to get in touch.