New Marine Electronics sonar developments

Guernsey-based sonar specialists Marine Electronics in the Channel Islands, which recently delivered an advanced 3D profiling system for short range bathymetry to the Korean Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) in Ansan, has developed a new Dolphin 2D system designed mainly for small AUVs and ROVs.

The company says the compact lightweight 720 kHz unit features low power consumption of less than 15 watts and is capable of providing clear images at a rate of 30 frames per second for very close range work at less than 1m; alternatively, long range imagery up to 100m at 7.5 frames per second is also possible.

Other main features include a nine-axis motion sensor and no necessity for surface image processing. Standard system depth rating is 500m while a 4000m deep water version is optionally available.