Kraken Introduces the AquaPix® MINSAS-240 Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS)

Kraken Robotics Inc. announces that the Company has developed the AquaPix® MINSAS-240 Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS).

Karl Kenny, Kraken’s President & CEO said, “For demanding subsea survey missions in mine countermeasures, infrastructure monitoring and oil & gas exploration; time is of the essence. The sensor that gets the job done most effectively is one that combines ultra high resolution imagery with an extremely high area coverage rate. Kraken’s latest development, the AquaPixâ MINSAS-240 sensor, has been designed to advance the state-of-the-art in seabed mapping for both high-speed towed systems and Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (LDUUVs).”

The MINSAS-240 achieves an industry-leading Area Coverage Rate (ACR) of 5.3 km2/h with 3´3 cm image resolution and 6´6 cm bathymetry resolution across the entire swath. The incredibly high pixel density sets a new standard for seabed image quality. Kraken’s embedded real-time processor enables in-stride data analysis for faster decision making as all data is processed at the highest quality setting in real-time. The superior length of the MINSAS-240 receiver array allows for true full-aperture SAS processing even at tow speeds up to 20 knots without switching to a lower resolution imaging mode at high speed. The sensor is rated for operating depths of up to 6,000 meters.

In mine warfare, it is well known that the probability of detecting and classifying a target increases with improving image resolution. A similar principle applies for commercial seabed survey operations, where clear imagery is needed to show the health and integrity of subsea assets. High ACR is therefore only effective when the resolution of the data being collected satisfies the objectives of the mission. At lower resolution settings, multiples passes are required to detect and classify an object with confidence, reducing the effective rate of coverage. With its combination of speed, range, and resolution, Kraken’s MINSAS-240 achieves the world’s highest effective ACR, mapping the seabed in exceptional contrast, clarity and detail when every second counts.

Some applications for the MINSAS-240 Synthetic Aperture Sonar include:

Underwater Defense – MCM, ISR, REA

Hydrographic Survey

Marine Archaeology

Subsea Infrastructure Inspection – Oil and Gas, Offshore Wind, Tidal Energy

Environmental Assessment – Leak and Seep Detection, Offshore Asset Integrity

Seabed Survey – Search and Recovery

AquaPix® MINSAS-240 is now available and ready for integration on a wide variety of unmanned underwater platforms.