Sonar Systems
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- DSTO First Purchaser of Kraken Sonar Systems Aquapix SAS Marine Technology, Mar 2013 #56
Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) of Australia purchased an interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system from Kraken Sonar Systems of St. John’s, Newfoundland in December 2012. This is Kraken’s first commercial sale of the AquaPix SAS system, which follows two sets of sea trials in which the system had been previously tested by Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, Rhode Island. Financial terms and contract details regarding the DSTO sale were not disclosed.
“We intend to run AquaPix in as wide a variety of environments as possible to ascertain its full range of capabilities,” said David Battle, Head of the Littoral Unmanned Systems Group at DSTO, which is part of Australia’s Department of Defense. He added that mine countermeasures and route survey tasks are their top priorities. Asked why DSTO selected the Kraken system, he cited the low cost of Aquapix ownership and several technical features. “We are hoping that the design emphasis on multi-path mitigation pays dividends in shallow water where SAS has been known to struggle,” Battle said, adding that the quality and consistency of data are key. Another DSTO priority is a quick and simple integration. “Reliance on correlation-based micro-navigation techniques should reduce the dependence on tight inertial navigation system coupling, thus simplifying the overall integration task.” While the contract value was not disclosed, Battle reported that the price paid was significantly less than those quoted by the other manufacturers who had been invited to tender.
A key feature of the Aquapix system that stands out in comparison to conventional sonar, said Kraken Sonar Systems President and CEO Karl Kenny, is the synthetic aperture signal processing software which “tricks the system into thinking the physical transducer array is much longer—20 to 25 times longer,” resulting in greatly increased image resolution and range. He adds that the interferomeric SAS produces detailed seabed images with 3 cm resolution to ranges over a 400-meter swath—200 meters x 2 for both sides of the vehicle. Through advanced signal processing, the transducer pings are realigned and made coherent over 1/16 of a wavelength, equivalent to the diameter of a thick human hair. “Interferometric” refers to upper and lower transducers that together enable locating a point on the seabed. In combination with the pressure sensor onboard, this provides the bathymetry. “The high resolution and potential improvements in coverage rate have generated a great deal of interest in SAS technology generally,” Battle said. “The ability to source both images and bathymetry through the same sensor seems to be emerging as a must-have feature for AUV sensors.”
Kraken Sonar Systems was spun out from Marport Deep Sea Technologies in September 2012 to focus on military and commercial applications for the SAS technology initially developed by the NATO Underwater Research Center in La Spezia, Italy. Marport acquired the intellectual property from NATO via DRDC in 2010 and further developed the technology between early 2011 and August 2012. Dr. Marc Pinto, who has been involved in the development of SAS since the early 1990s and served as Head of the Mine Countermeasures Department at NATO Underwater Research Center, is currently Chief Technology Officer at Kraken.
After spending 18 months developing the Aquapix system, Kraken’s first real-world testing opportunity came in August 2012 when they were awarded a Defense Industrial Research Program contract from DRDC to trial the system in a Repeat-Pass Interferometric SAS program. “The purpose was to collect sonar data to get very high resolution bathymetry,” said Vincent Myers, Defense Scientist at DRDC, by conducting multiple runs at varying altitudes over the same area, where mine-like targets had been placed. This also enabled them to look for subtle differences in what Myers refers to as “coherent change detection.” He added, “We also wanted the experience of using SAS in Canadian waters using one of our own vehicles.” Myers reported that Kraken’s integration of the system into the ISE-built hull section of the Arctic Explorer AUV went smoothly and there were no performance issues during the two-week trials. “Looking at the data, some images were pretty spectacular,” he recalled. “I’ve seen a lot of SAS data, and this was right up there, on par with world-leading SAS. I‘m impressed they were able to develop this technology in such a short period of time.” Kraken is currently processing the data.
The system covered a swath of 220 meters per side, reported Myers, who added that the constant resolution provided by SAS is not found in other data acquisition methods. “The problem (with the other methods),” he said, “is that their resolution degrades with range which limits their usefulness for our purposes, which is to detect naval mines.” He said another advantage of the Kraken system is that it does not require an inertial navigation system to produce the imagery. He added that while INS is still required onboard to determine the absolute position, the ability to strap on to the Aquapix system without having to interface it with INS was a plus.
The trials conducted at NUWC in November 2012 and January 2013 were supported by a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) 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 Hydroid Inc. Kraken’s Kenny reports that NUWC engineers provided technical input on the payload module requirements and Kraken engineers designed a drop-in wet payload section with minimal integration requirements. Within a five-day period, the conventional sidescan 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 resolution 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 environments.
The problem has been that SAS has remained very expensive, and occasionally finicky, 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 option for SAS will make this technology available beyond militaries—to research organizations and universities. 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 Aquapix SAS system in the $250,000 range.
(As published in the March 2013 edition of Marine Technologies - www.seadiscovery.com) -
- MTR100 '13 Kraken Sonar Systems Inc. Marine Technology, Jul 2013 #15
a compelling value proposition by combining seabed imaging and bathymetry into a single solution. Headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Kraken Sonar Systems Inc. is a marine technology company engaged in the design and development of high performance sonars and acoustic velocity sensors for military
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- Kraken Sonar Systems Inc. Marine Technology, Jul 2014 #34
50 Harbor Drive, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada A1C6J4 T: +1 508 822 7330 E: [email protected] W: http://www.krakensonar.com CEO/President: Karl Kenny No. Of Employees: 9 Kraken is a marine technology company engaged in the design and development of high performance sonars and
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- NORBIT DCT – Hydrographic Survey Made Easy Marine Technology, May 2019 #34
click under the layer menu button. These are depth, standard deviation, sounding density and backscatter. The depth by default is simply the depth from the sonar to the bottom and can be displayed in a projected reduced chart datum as well. The standard deviation and sounding density are produced per given grid
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- MTR 100: EdgeTech Marine Technology, Jul 2014 #22
is a manufacturer of underwater technology solutions known for its: side scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, bathymetry systems, AUV and ROV-based sonar systems, USBL systems, transponder beacons, deep sea and shallow water acoustic releases, and customized underwater systems. EdgeTech designs, manufactures
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- MSI Delivering SAS Components for Raytheon’s Surveyor Solutions Marine Technology, May 2014 #49
for two systems of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems’ PROSAS suite of sonar solutions. Raytheon’s PROSAS Surveyor family of synthetic aperture sonar systems provides high-definition sonar capabilities for a wide range of applications. The PROSAS Surveyor 60 (PS60) and PROSAS Surveyor 175 (PS175) systems
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- Atlantic Canada Profiles: Kraken Marine Technology, Jan 2017 #45
Kraken Continues to Innovate & Expand St. John’s, Newfoundland based Kraken Sonar is a leader in delivering advanced Synthetic Aperture Sonar systems. Kraken’s goal is to bring innovative and disruptive technologies to the maritime sector, while reducing costs and increasing capability. Kraken
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- EDO A w a r d e d $ 1 5 Million N a v y Contract For T o w ed A r r a y Sonar Systems Maritime Reporter, Apr 1986 #72
EDO Corporation has been awarded a $15.2-million contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command for the production of SQR-18 Tactical Towed Array Sonar Systems (TACTAS) and ancillary support items. The contract will be performed at EDO's Government Systems Division located in College Point, N.Y. It
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- $ 5 . 4 - M i l l i o n Navy Contract A w a r d e d Tracor For SSBN Sonar Systems Services Maritime Reporter, Jan 15, 1983 #36
Rockville, Md., has received a $5.4-million contract from Naval Sea Systems Command to provide technical integration and evaluation services for sonar systems aboard U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarines. William C. Moyer, group vice president for Tracor Applied Sciences, said Tracor will provide integra
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- MTR100 '13: Teledyne BlueView, Teledyne Odom Hydrographic, Teledyne RESON Marine Technology, Jul 2013 #52
measurement and imaging solutions for defense, energy, civil engineering, transportation, and port security applications worldwide. BlueView’s advanced sonar systems have been adopted by leading manufacturers and service providers to support mission critical underwater operations. More than 500 BlueView commercial
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- MTR100 '13 JW Fishers Mfg. Marine Technology, Jul 2013 #13
grew, the company expanded its R&D into sonar. As computers became smaller and more capable, they allowed development of powerful, low cost sonar systems. Today Fishers offers three side scan systems employing the most commonly required frequencies, 100K, 600K and 1200K. Low frequency provides long
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- MTR100 '13 EdgeTech Marine Technology, Jul 2013 #69
is a leader in underwater technology solutions including: side scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, bathymetry systems, AUV and ROV-based sonar systems, combined and customized solutions. Additionally, EdgeTech provides reliable USBL systems, transponder beacons, acoustic releases, MRUs and customized
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 4th CoverGlow a little longer. Superior sensor performance on a rmance on a – – RBRtridentfraction of the power RBRtridente teee ackscatter or turbidity with hi i in n n t t th h h he e e s sa a am m m me Measure chlorophyll a, fDOM, and backscatter or turbidity within the same e e sensor package using the
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 48Index page MTR MarApr2024:MTR Layouts 4/4/2024 3:19 PM Page 1 Advertiser Index PageCompany Website Phone# 17 . . . . .Airmar Technology Corporation . . . . . . . . . .www.airmar.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(603) 673-9570 9 . . . . . .Birns, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 45ronments. The new agreement will address speci? c techni- cal gaps in the UUV defense and offshore energy markets especially for long duration, multi-payload mission opera- tions where communications are often denied or restricted. As part of the new alliance, Metron’s Resilient Mission Autonomy portfolio
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 44NEW TECH OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2024 Image courtesy Metron/Cellula Teledyne Marine acquires Valeport: Matt Quartley, MD, Valeport and Ole Søe-Pedersen, VP & Image courtesy Teledyne Marine GM Teledyne Marine announce the deal in London. Pictured (L-R): Cellula Robotics, President, Eric Jackson, Metron
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 43Image courtesy Kongsberg Discovery Image courtesy Teledyne Marine New Products Teledyne Marine had its traditional mega-booth at Oi, busy start to ? nish. Image courtesy Greg Trauthwein offers quality sub-bottom pro? ling capability without the need tion of offshore windfarms. GeoPulse 2 introduces new
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 42NEW TECH OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2024 Image courtesy Greg Trauthwein Image courtesy BIRNS MacArtney launches the new ultra-compact ø12.7 mm SubConn Nano connector. Innovative connectivity built on 45 years of ? eld-proven and market-trusted design. Image courtesy MacArtney Birns celebrated its 70th
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 41ciency. The new generation Quadroin now carries an expanded and video feeds live during the mission with processing car- instrument payload. The side-scan sonar enables acous- ried out onboard the vehicle. It is also to enable automatic col- tic sea? oor imaging. Additionally, two full-HD underwater lision
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 40NEW TECH OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2024 All photos courtesy MTR unless otherwise noted NEW TECH, PARTNERSHIPS LAUNCH IN LONDON With Oceanology International now one month in the rear-view mirror, MTR takes a look at some of the interesting technologies launched before, during and after the London event.
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 39Photo courtesy Global Ocean Design Figure 7 A 35Ah AGM lead-acid battery is tested using the West Mountain Radio CBA to show the effect of simply ? lling the battery voids with mineral oil as a compensating ? uid. The CBA is programmed to cut-off at a voltage of 10.50v. The top line (red) shows the
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 38LANDER LAB #10 Photo courtesy West Mountain Radio Photo courtesy of Clarios/AutoBatteries.com Figure 6 The West Mountain Radio Computerized Battery Analyzer (CBA V) attaches to a Figure 5 laptop by a USB-B cable, and to a battery by Powerpole® Connectors. Exploded view of an AGM lead-acid battery.
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 37miscible barrier ? uid heavier than seawater (sg=1.026) and lighter than the battery electrolyte (sg=1.265). The original cell vent cap was screwed into the top of the riser pipe to vent the gases associated with charging. Wires were soldered to the lead (Pb) posts. The lead-acid battery was additionall
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 36LANDER LAB #10 Of special interest for marine applications, LiPo batteries are Shipping any kind of lithium battery can be a challenge, and offered in a “pouch” design, with a soft, ? at body. The pouch IATA regs vary with the batteries inside or outside an instru- is vacuum-sealed, with all voids ?
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 33regulated industry in the world.” How- ever, commercial success depends on many factors, not least a predictable OPEX. Over the past four years, SMD has worked with Oil States Industries to calculate cost per tonne ? gures for prospective customers. Patania II uses jet water pumps to Oil States’
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 32Pentagon is expected to deliver an ac- light plastic tracks and buoyant syntactic foam. The collec- tion plan on nodules by March 2024. tion vehicle uses sonar to identify the position of the nodules UK-based Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) designed, devel- and has attained collection ef? ciency rates of at
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 31The Allseas-designed production system consists of the Hidden Gem production vessel at the surface, an airlift riser system and jumper hose, and the pilot nodule collector vehicle at the sea? oor. Image courtesy of Allseas www.marinetechnologynews.com 31 MTR #3 (18-33).indd 31 4/4/2024 2:12:41
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 30FEATURE SEABED MINING bilical. It has passive heave compensation which nulli? es the necott. “The focus since then has been on scaling while en- wave, current and vessel motions that in? uence loads in the suring the lightest environmental impact,” says The Metals power umbilical. The LARS can
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 29n January, Norway said “yes” to sea- bed mining, adding its weight to the momentum that is likely to override the calls for a moratorium by over 20 countries and companies such as I Google, BMW, Volvo and Samsung. Those against mining aim to protect the unique and largely unknown ecology of the sea?
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 25Auerbach explained that ideally, “one ? ed layers of geothermal activity,” noted changes over an area of 8,000 km2. They would have both instruments: seismom- Skett, “and the change in salinity and dis- found up to seven km3 of displaced ma- eters to detect and locate subsurface ac- solved particles for
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 19About the Author vey with the pipe tracker is not required, resulting in signi? - Svenn Magen Wigen is a Cathodic Protection and corrosion control cant cost savings, mainly related to vessel charter. expert having worked across The major advantage of using FiGS on any type of subsea engineering, design
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 18TECH FEATURE IMR There are also weaknesses in terms of accuracy because of FiGS Operations and Bene? ts signal noise and the ability to detect small ? eld gradients. In Conventional approaches to evaluating cathodic protection this process there is a risk that possible issues like coating (CP)
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 17• Integrity assessment, and otherwise covered, e.g., by rock dump. As for depletion of • Mitigation, intervention and repair. sacri? cial anodes, this can be dif? cult or even impossible to Selecting the best method for collecting the data these work- estimate due to poor visibility, the presence of
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 15Stainless Steel and Titanium for maximum longevity in seawater. ROS positioners offer accuracy from +/- 1.5° to 0.1°. ROS AccuPositioner™ is ideal for Sonar applications where precise, computer- controlled accuracy is required. ROS positioners are available as single axis (pan rotation) and dual axis
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 11would be deployed from standoff range to scan the seabed using high resolution underwater imaging systems, including sidescan and synthetic aperture sonars, as well as laser scanners. Ukraine is al- ready in possession of six Remus 100 AUVs provided by the Royal Navy for MCM purposes, but a multinational
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March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 9from marinas along the western coast. The exact number of lizing laser detection systems can detect mines just below the mines, as well as their locations, remains largely a mystery, surface, even those hiding in murky water. The Airborne Laser although reports suggest that over three hundred have been