Sas

  • 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)

  • development of high performance sonars and acoustic sensors for military and commercial applications. It is leading developers of Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS), a sonar technology for ultra-high resolution seabed imaging. SAS uses sophisticated signal processing of successive acoustic pings to form an image

  • Mapping SonarThis same technology can be applied to side-scan sonar (SSS), a very common tool for seafloor mapping and survey, and synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) an emerging technology. Typically, SSS presents a “gap” in the coverage it offers, as in Figure 4.  This gap, or “Nadir” separates the left side sonar

  • Real-time with Synthetic Aperture Sonar Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) is a technique for creating high resolution seabed imagery that shares many similarities with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).  The forward motion of the sonar is used to synthesize an array that is much longer than its physical length

  • MSI is producing two new Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) components 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 imaging resolution, or the system’s ability to distinguish closely spaced objects, is not constant but degrades with range. In Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS), these limitations are overcome by using the sonar platform’s trajectory.  The forward motion of the sonar is used to synthesise an array that is much

  • team includes internationally recognized experts in undersea remote sensing applications. The Tech A new technology called Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) provides the capability for ultra-high image resolution of the seabed combined with superior area survey speeds. SAS was initially developed for demanding

  • comparable performance to existing high end military systems at less than 20 percent of the cost. Expanding on the successful Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) product line, Kraken is introducing a new underwater system. The Kraken Active Towfish (or KATFISH) is a complete system solution for collecting and

  • , it can advance marine technology at a pace equivalent to consumer electronics sectors, while keeping it affordable.   Kraken’s flagship sonar the MINSAS (Miniature Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar) is a high resolution (3x3 cm) SAS with simultaneous bathymetry and up to 600m swath widths. Features

  • sensors for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles used in military and commercial applications. It is recognized as an innovator of Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) – an underwater imaging technology designed to dramatically improve seabed surveys by providing ultra-high resolution imagery at superior coverage

  • Kraken Sonar Systems Inc. announced the development of AquaPix MINSAS, a next generation Miniature Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar designed for operation to depths of 3,000m. The system integrates the latest electronics, transducer arrays and signal processing software and is optimized for the

  • hailing from the deep ocean search and survey industry.  In 2009 it formed the company to combine its deep tow sonar expertise with the newly available ProSAS suite by Applied Signal Technologies (now Raytheon).  The result is the SLH PS-60 vehicle, capable of 6000 meter depth and a two km swath at 10 cm resolution

  • MT Nov-24#43 , enhancing high • Man-Portable SAS payload uses its Impact)
    November 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 43

    side, with simulta- BIT multiple imagery and backscatter neous 6 cm x 6 cm bathymetry. Impact Subsea outputs as standard, enhancing high • Man-Portable SAS payload uses its Impact Subsea introduced an open data quality throughout the wide swath new MINSAS 60 Light Weight arrays source SDK to provide

  • MT Nov-24#42 seamlessly switching between (SAS) processing to render 3D)
    November 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 42

    operators to optimize perfor- cessed utilizing synthetic aperture sonar tions for both underwater and in-air ap- mance by seamlessly switching between (SAS) processing to render 3D images plications such as Sub-bottom pro? ling, of buried objects. frequency modes to suit their task. underwater communication

  • MT Sep-24#63 miles using Kongsberg’s HISAS 1032 Dual of monitoring)
    September 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 63

    survey areas. The AUV successfully surveyed 36 product family is part of Kongsberg Discovery’s portfolio square nautical miles using Kongsberg’s HISAS 1032 Dual of monitoring and measuring tools and is used for all types of ocean research. The product family has historically been Rx synthetic aperture

  • MT Sep-24#28 and enhanced underwa- The MINSAS 60 LW provides detailed)
    September 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 28

    employs 266 globally, ability to use the vehicle’s existing OEM shipping containers. involved in the development of new and enhanced underwa- The MINSAS 60 LW provides detailed images with a resolu- ter technologies (complex subsea sensors, batteries, and ro- tion of 3.3 cm x 3.0 cm out to a range of

  • MT Sep-24#9 synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) processing advance all)
    September 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 9

    tracking and route surveys or have the data post less”) ? shing systems. EdgeTech continues to innovate and processed utilizing synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) processing advance all aspects of their sonar systems and acoustic release to render 3-dimensional images of buried objects. based systems. The company

  • MT Jul-24#4th Cover of sensor options including SAS, SBP, Magnotometer, SSS)
    July 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 4th Cover

    efective, high-resolution bathymetric data from vessels of opportunity. The modular design of the Gavia, combined with an array of sensor options including SAS, SBP, Magnotometer, SSS, Camera and now multibeam, ensure these AUVs are perfectly suited for a variety of commercial, military and scienti?c applications

  • MT Mar-24#44 ? cation process using the SAS Target in a single work)
    March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 44

    (BUVI) to join its international sales team. Image courtesy Unique Group Sealing the deal(s) @ Oi ‘24 mating the object identi? cation process using the SAS Target in a single work? ow. The sensor’s 360-degree scanner and Assistant. The application runs in the background, leaving us- high collection rate

  • MT Jan-24#23 aperture sidescan sonars (SAS) have improved so stitution)
    January 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 23

    10 years payloads have increased in capability, for example and our academic partner, Woods Hole Oceanographic In- synthetic aperture sidescan sonars (SAS) have improved so stitution (WHOI) makes this a reality. In 2024 we will in- much in SWAP-C that we are delivering almost as many SAS vest in integrating

  • MT Sep-23#33 , and decommis- data into SAS tiles in real-time during)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 33

    industry-? rst that converts live sonar is equipped with an advanced Battery unexploded ordnance, and decommis- data into SAS tiles in real-time during Management System (BMS) which con- sioning surveys. SeaKite is Kraken Ro- missions, supporting Automatic Target tinually monitors the status and

  • MT Sep-23#32 latest generation Real-Time SAS processor. RTSAS and services)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 32

    possible with post-processing. KATFISH incorporates Its high-resolution 3D acoustic imaging and battery solutions Kraken’s latest generation Real-Time SAS processor. RTSAS and services enable clients to overcome the challenges in our enables real-time processing of SAS imagery and bathymetry. oceans

  • MT Sep-23#24 synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) processing to render frequency)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 24

    an tracking and route surveys or have the data post processed enhanced and fully integrated swath bathymetry and dual utilizing synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) processing to render frequency side scan sonar system with gap-? ll. three-dimensional images of buried objects. Advancements In the AUV, ROV and

  • MT Jan-23#40 and concepts Kraken to Provide SAS to HII’s New Medium Class)
    January 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 40

    Tech Files Innovative products, technologies and concepts Kraken to Provide SAS to HII’s New Medium Class UUV Kraken Robotics said its AquaPix Min- iature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MIN- SAS) System has been selected as the standard payload offering on HII’s new REMUS 620 Medium Class UUV. HII selected

  • MT Jan-23#12 from 400-600 kHz, while SAS emits source, unclassi)
    January 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 12

    above the ambient background noise.† A typical DVL these emissions are also low intensity – according to open emits at anywhere from 400-600 kHz, while SAS emits source, unclassi? ed estimates, somewhere between 95 and anywhere from 60-120 kHz. Echosounders emit at high fre- 110 decibels, which is only

  • MN Nov-22#37 , Omaha, Nebraska City and Kan- sas City). Season support will)
    November 2022 - Marine News page: 37

    be set to provide navigation ? ow support at a level 500 cfs above minimum service at all four target locations (Sioux City, Omaha, Nebraska City and Kan- sas City). Season support will end on November 28 at the mouth of the Missouri River. USACE writes that “releases will be adjusted as necessary to meet

  • MT Sep-22#22 military systems as its AquaPix SAS is rated more than 60)
    September 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 22

    available on the market and less expensive than Through the acquisition of these companies, Kraken added traditional military systems as its AquaPix SAS is rated more than 60 employees. The 13R team, with of? ces in for both commercial and military sales. To put that into Rio de Janeiro and Salvador

  • MT May-22#46 important. “People don’t want SAS and high frequency multi)
    May 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 46

    in vehicle to do what it needs to do. General Manager, Iceland, says modu- rely on the detection probability using larity is important. “People don’t want SAS and high frequency multi beam. Hydroid’s Remus 300 to be stuck with a certain con? guration Better resolution means better grounded In the shallower

  • MN May-22#24 Feature Inland Waterways Arkansas Waterways Commission match)
    May 2022 - Marine News page: 24

    Feature Inland Waterways Arkansas Waterways Commission match the demands of a 21st century economy, impacting energy, the environment, logistics and supply chain. With- out these investments, the US economy couldn’t function at the scale demanded by global trade. The following presents some of this work

  • MT Mar-22#59 from the highest- SBG Systems SAS Seamor Marine Ltd. SBG)
    March 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 59

    exhibit on Booth H100 Booth P300 three new MEMS-based inertial prod- ucts: The DMU41 – FOG-comparable inertial performance from the highest- SBG Systems SAS Seamor Marine Ltd. SBG Systems is a supplier of miniature, SEAMOR Marine are pioneers in the performing silicon MEMS inertial mea- high performance

  • MT Mar-22#58 . Browse Booth A201 sonar (SAS) sensors, subsea batteries)
    March 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 58

    optical domes. ous high-tech elements are introduced to and production of synthetic aperture maximize the visitor experience. Browse Booth A201 sonar (SAS) sensors, subsea batteries, 3D product models through an interac- and underwater robotic systems includ- tive screen, or video-chat with a repre- NORBIT

  • MR Jan-22#48 full-scale replacement of 19 SAS controllers as an EPCI)
    January 2022 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 48

    system was not upgraded, and in 2020 it was reaching the end of its working life. Kongs- berg Maritime’s team organized the full-scale replacement of 19 SAS controllers as an EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation) project. KM’s scope of sup- ply encompassed everything from engineering

  • MT May-21#58 recovered the helicopter on SAS) mounted in MHI’s OZZ-5)
    May 2021 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 58

    Unmanned later, Phoenix and SUPSALV returned to frequency synthetic aperture sonar (LF- Digital Twinning Project the site and recovered the helicopter on SAS) mounted in MHI’s OZZ-5 autono- March 21, 2021 using the U.S. Navy’s Welaptega, an Ashtead Technology mous underwater mine countermeasure Remotely

  • MT Mar-21#1 Winch TM Kraken’s KATFISH Towed SAS Vehicle )
    March 2021 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 1

    Launch and Recovery System Robust Docking Head for Safe L&R 8!0'2Z9 <££@ £'$;8?$ ® of Assets Below the Waterline Tentacle Winch TM Kraken’s KATFISH Towed SAS Vehicle '9-+2'&(38!6-&3#-£-A!?32 Fits Inside a on Vessels of Opportunity ??d 32;!-2'8 Canada’s Ocean Company >>>W8!0'23#3?$9W$31 MTR #2 (1-17).indd

  • MT Jul-20#34 sales of its new KATFISH towed SAS platform, and major milestones)
    July 2020 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 34

    and Development Canada, sev- insight so that the same plots of subsea to enable an underwater robotics data ac- eral sales of its new KATFISH towed SAS platform, and major milestones have turf are not studied again and again by quisition and data analytics as a service been achieved with its SeaPower

  • MT Apr-20#38 Iván Parra, Civil Engineer (SAS), Kraken’s AquaPix MINSAS)
    April 2020 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 38

    environmentally than the alterna- The-Shelf (COTS) Synthetic Aperture Sonar tive of draining the tunnels for inspection,” said Iván Parra, Civil Engineer (SAS), Kraken’s AquaPix MINSAS. at EISA. “The operation will now be completed with a very small envi- “For demanding subsea survey missions in ronmental