Solstice Multi Aperture Sonar for AUVs

Solstice is a Multi Aperture Sonar (MAS) designed for Search, Classify and Map (SCM) and Hydrographic AUV operations with integrated swath bathymetry. It has been tailored for AUV operations providing high-resolution images that can be used for mine recognition, hydrography and post-mission analysis.

Sonardyne International

Yateley, GB

Description

Solstice is a Multi Aperture Sonar (MAS) designed for Search, Classify and Map (SCM), Mine Counter Measures (MCM) and hydrographic AUV operations with integrated swath bathymetry. It has been tailored for AUV operations providing ultra-high resolution imagery both across and along the track of the AUV. With an along-track resolution of 0.15°, the imagery produced by Solstice is considered to be of the highest quality possible from a side-scan sonar. It offers full dynamic focus across a wide area, 200 metre swath. The images are designed to be of the highest quality possible from side-scan sonar. Solstice aids vehicle operators make better decisions and improves results from Computer Aided Detection and Classification (CAD/CAC).

Specifications

Towfish: Model identification

Not available - intended for AUV use only

Transceiver and recorder: Model name

Solstice

Power consumption [W]

18

Data processing and imaging capabilities

The fundamental technologies include:Multi-path Suppression Array Technology (MSAT), Dynamic focusing, Multi-Ping Multi-Look (MPML) and Real-time Array Calibration (RTAC)Side-scan and bathymetry data is processed onto waterfall or mosaic displays, either in a post processing stage or in real time

Standard system interfacing capabilities

Support for Solstice Waterfall Format (SWF) and Triton XTF format.Mosaics generation using the KML format.Compatible with leading post-processing software packages. Contact Sonardyne for more information.

Generation of firing trigger

Software and Hardware trigger options

System Description: System type

Integrated

Mode of operation

Single frequency

Location of digitation

Antenna

More information: Application

Shallow water operations including: Mine Counter Measures (MCM), hydrography, cable/pipeline surveys, geological/geophysical surveys, channel clearance, salvage, search and recovery.

Distinguishable features

Low power, large swath, high resolution

Cable and winch: Type of Cable supported

Not available - intended for AUV use only

Operating frequencies: Min. frequency [kHz]

725

Max. frequency [kHz]

775

Min. pulse length [µs]

1000

Max. pulse length [µs]

1000

Source level [dB]

220

Max. Range [m]

100

Min. beam width [deg]

0.15

Max. beam width [deg]

0.15

Min. vertical beam width [deg]

80

Max. vertical beam width [deg]

80

Min. depression angle [deg]

7

Max. depression angle [deg]

12

Max. horizontal resolution [cm]

2.5

Max. vertical resolution [cm]

10

Max. operating speed [kt]

6