Phantom FlyImager Side-scan Sonar Drone
Deep Ocean Engineering has introduced an underwater vehicle, the Deep Ocean Phantom FlyImager. This is a hybrid system, co-developed with EdgeTech, allowing the user to utilise a side-scan sonar system, the EdgeTech 4125, combined with the functionality of the powerful, versatile and rugged Phantom T5 ROV.
The side-scan sonar system can be pulled behind a powered surface vessel as a towfish while scanning using ‘wings’ that provide stability and constant depth control. This EdgeTech 4125 side-scan system provides long range acoustic imaging in the water column to find targets. Once the target has been identified, the ‘wings’ are retracted and the underwater drone is converted from a towfish to a free flying Phantom T5 ROV for close up optical imaging of the target.
Converted to ROV from Towed Side-scan System
The Phantom FlyImager hybrid drone is designed to be converted to an ROV from a side-scan system to become capable of taking immediate action based on real-time data retrieved and analysed using the side-scan sonar by utilising a single deployed vessel, thereby eliminating the need to deploy a passive side-scan sonar unit and separate ROV.