Page 59: of Marine Technology Magazine (March 2011)

Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd. intro- duced the M3 MultiMode

Multibeam Sonar. The first two models of the M3 series are intend- ed for the underwater vehicle mar- ket, in particular, work class ROV operations. According to Peter Fox,

Ph.D., Principal Systems Engineer of Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd. and leader of the development team, “The M3 Sonar is a radical depar- ture from conventional multibeams; with a simple, elegant user interface driving a versatile multichannel sonar transceiver capable of extreme spatial and temporal agility, with highly innovative composite trans- mit and receive transducers, a state- of-the-art-signal processing with true time delays, dynamic focussing, andand pulse compression.

The M3 MultiMode Multibeam Sonar combines imag- ing, profiling and true zoom modes in a single design.

Short range (0.2 m) and long range (100 m) imaging capability plus multiple true zoom windows are now pos- sible. Dynamically variable bandwidth provides optimized images and target detection with high resolution and enhanced shadows. ROV operators can now take advan- tage of the high refresh rate of conventional multibeam technology or tradeoff refresh rate for Enhanced Image Quality Modes providing detailed images of excep- tional quality. The M3 Sonar enables operators to use the same sonar for obstacle avoidance at 100m range and close work in zero visibili- ty conditions. Enhanced Image

Quality Modes and true zoom win- dows provide high resolution and high Signal-to-Noise Ratios where the operators need it, with centime- tre range resolution and beamwidths less than 1°. The sonar is available in either 500 m or 4000 m depth rated versions for shallow or deep water applications. The M3 Sonar provides the sophistication and performance levels formerly found only in high end multibeam sonar in a compact package of only 3.8 kg. dry weight with an 18 cm diame- ter and 14 cm length. Compact deep water rotators from

Kongsberg enable operators to aim this compact multi- beam where they want it. The M3 Sonar provides a 120 degree (horizontal) and 30 degree (vertical) coverage with a maximum range of 100 metres. The vertical coverage is also adjustable to suit the operator’s requirements.

Ethernet telemetry is standard.

Email: daryl.morse@ kongsberg.com www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 59

M3: Kongsberg Expands Multibeam Sonar Performance

M3 Sonar - Intakes at 25m (50m).

M3 Sonar

Head 500m depth rated.

Tritech Launches 4000m Gemini Imaging Sonar

Following the success of the shallow-water real-time imaging sonar,

Gemini 720i, Tritech has launched a deep-rated version of the popular sonar, Gemini 720id. Available now in 300m and 4000m versions,

Gemini is a forward-looking sonar which uses an array of transducers to provide a 120º field of view, for a real-time sonar image of the underwa- ter scene ahead. “Ashtead Technology Offshore is extremely excited to be the first to present, to the rental market, the latest generation of 2D multi- beam sonar technology in the Americas region,” said Chris Echols, VP of

North America, Ashtead Technology Offshore (US).