Sonardyne Awarded Underwater Surveillance Contract

The Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar (IDS) system is able to protect vessels, ports and waterside installations from intrusion by divers, swimmers or surface vehicles. The system uses innovative sonar technology and intelligent software to automatically detect, track and classify an underwater threat at long ranges. The Sentinel system will be integrated into the Port's new command and control system that fully integrates data from the sonar, cameras and radars to protect shipping and port infrastructure against maritime threats. The Freeport installation will use a unique trolley deployment system that will be fixed onto a sloping bank. This innovative mechanical design allows the alignment of the sonar head and its easy recovery for maintenance.

Commenting on the new contract, Eric Levitt, Sonardyne's business development manager for the Americas said; "The port required a technical solution that would allow the Sentinel to be permanently deployed but flexible enough to enable simple recovery for cleaning and maintenance, while at the same time remaining cost effective and without the burden of significant overhead costs."

Sentinel has already undergone extensive trials with US military programmes, and is now acknowledged as an original category of underwater threat detection, tracking and classification sonar. Using innovative composite arrays, electronic design and software algorithms, the unit is not only physically smaller than previous generation systems, but also operates at considerably lower source levels than more generic hybrids (removing the potential threat to cetaceans and other marine life). Sentinel systems are now in operation on every continent where they are able to protect both commercial and military assets, critical energy and civilian infrastructure, VIPs and maritime borders.

For further information on Sentinel please visit www.sonardyne.com.