J+S Ltd Launch NarcineArray™ at Oceanology International 2014

J+S Ltd are launching their next-generation, small diameter, passive acoustic line array product family at Oceanology International, ExCel, London in March this year. Called after the small electric ray of this name, NarcineArray™ is a product family of low profile miniaturized acoustic arrays, suitable for static or towed applications that can be configured to suit the desired application. J+S have made use of their knowledge and experience of larger diameter arrays to develop this highly adaptable product that is uniquely suited to today's underwater environment.

When compared with a conventional towed array, NarcineArray™ provides a significant reduction in power consumption, diameter (down to 16mm), weight and drag. This means that the array can be deployed and recovered far more easily, often without any specialist handling equipment. Because of the reduced weight, drag and power consumption NarcineArray™ can also be deployed from a much greater range of vessels, from conventional surface vessels to Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUVs).

J+S Ltd are also announcing their joint collaboration with AutoNaut®, a revolutionary new wave propelled vessel for ocean research built by MOST (Autonomous Vessels) Ltd for very long endurance autonomous data gathering. The AutoNaut® harvests solar energy at sea to power her state of the art electronics. Successful trials as part of the NOC and DSTL-funded Phase 2 Long Endurance Marine Unmanned Surface Vessel (LEMUSV) project took place in November 2013, and proved a successful combination for both of these new groundbreaking technologies. AutoNaut® are on STAND D445 at Oceanology International 2014.

Mike Poole, Director of MOST (AV) commented: "Following the success of dummy towing trials with our earlier prototype, both at sea and in a wave tank, it was great to see a real array in action with the new boat. Ease of handling and the robust nature of the array were clearly demonstrated. The array was able to track a target of opportunity, and with the absence of tow vessel noise 360 degree coverage was achieved. Our collaboration with J+S Ltd is a triumph of innovative UK engineering expertise at its best."

Alongside the miniature Integrated Acoustic Sensors, J+S have also developed a Micro Non-Acoustic Sensor (µNAS) product. This is designed to augment the acoustic sensors within NarcineArray™ to provide Depth, Heading, Temperature and 3 axis Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) sensor data. The µNAS can be located throughout the array to provide data for determining array positioning and shape. The µNAS device is low power and the data can be multiplexed, reducing wire count, which allows for several devices to be integrated into the array as required.

Andy Toms, Managing Director for J+S said: "This launch at Oceanology International is the result of months of intensive sonar engineering work by our Product Development Team. In addition, the introduction of J+S's lean array configuration method results in greater product delivery turn around in response to customer's bespoke requirements".

About J+S Ltd
J+S Ltd operates from sites in Barnstaple and Aberdeen, and is a leading UK supplier of independent engineering solutions and in-service support operating within the naval support, marine renewable and oil and gas sectors.