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igation system to produce the imagery. He added that while INS is still required onboard to determine the absolute posi-tion, the ability to strap on to the Aqua- pix system without having to interface it with INS was a plus. The trials conducted at NUWC in No-vember 2012 and January 2013 were supported by a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRA- DA) between NUWC and Kraken. The purpose was to integrate and evaluate the AquaPix SAS on one of NUWC?s medium-sized AUV?s, a 12.75-inch diameter REMUS 600 built by Hy- droid Inc. Kraken?s Kenny reports that NUWC engineers provided technical input on the payload module require-ments and Kraken engineers designed a drop-in wet payload section with mini-mal integration requirements. Within a  ve-day period, the conventional sides- can sonar payload section was removed and Kraken?s AquaPix SAS module was assembled, tested and installed at NUWC?s facility. Known targets that had been laid were surveyed at varying altitudes and stand- off distances, reports Kenny who adds that there was consistent 3-cm resolu- tion to ranges in excess of 200 meters. 3D bathymetric data was also collected to produce digital terrain models of the seabed in compliance with IHO S44 special order requirements. Delivery of DSTO?s Aquapix system is slated for the end of March. Asked if the availability of SAS at a low price point could be a game changer, Battle replied, ?SAS could be a game changer if it proves robust in a wide range of en- vironments. The problem has been that SAS has remained very expensive, and occasion- ally  nicky, while real array side-scan systems have continued to evolve and improve. If SAS technology becomes more affordable and demonstrates the same kind of robustness that real array systems have become known for, then I think it will be adopted very quickly.? Myers said that a reduced-cost op-tion for SAS will make this technol- ogy available beyond militaries?to research organizations and universi- ties. Kenny reported that a key focus of Marport and Kraken?s R&D efforts has been to develop the technology that would enable them to price their Aqua- pix SAS system in the $250,000 range. Debris Field Imagery Generated by AquaPix SAS. March 2013 MTR #2 (50-65).indd 60MTR #2 (50-65).indd 603/6/2013 1:51:47 PM3/6/2013 1:51:47 PM