Making Security Sweeping Faster

Traditionally, SAS sonar systems have been mounted on AUVs, but these vehicles have their limitations. Current and tide can render AUV positioning inaccurate, require high levels of power from AUV motors, and cannot be accessed real time. Sweep paths on AUVs are pre-programmed, and the positioning accuracy of any finds they make have a margin of error depending upon the effect water movement has had on their position.

To meet the growing demand for rapid, accurate data, MacArtney A/S and AST (Applied Signal Technology) created the Prosas Surveyor, a new system that provides accurate real time data from the sea bed. Real time data allows operators to make on the spot decisions about further investigation or possible threat, saving time and ensuring optimal safety. This is particularly relevant in situations where an area is being swept for mines or other underwater threats to security.

The SAS system allows for any items of interest to be geographically referenced in their exact position and further investigated or mapped for later inspection. Combined with AST's CAD/CAC software that automatically records important information, it is possible to compare real time data with previous sweep information. Any changes or new objects can be immediately spotted and acted upon, or monitored over several sweeps. Pre-existing objects can be ruled out, allowing operators to concentrate on potential threats.

Towed vehicles can operate at twice the speed possible with AUVs. The Prosas Surveyor can be operated at speeds of up to 10kn, dramatically reducing the ship time necessary to complete a mission. The SAS sonar by AST processes clear, high definition across the entire broad sweep, reducing the number of sweeps required.