Dec 9 2010
Bluefin Robotics, global leader in developing Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), has declared that it has successfully analyzed the first ever AUV with a completely incorporated synthetic aperture sonar (SAS).
Named ‘PROSAS Surveyor’, it was developed by Applied Signal Technology. It offers 1x1-inch resolution, with a performance range of 200 meters and is superior to sonars utilized in present AUVs.
The Bluefin-12 AUV links the innovative SAS information with its navigation precision, offering an improved ability for performing several deep-sea operations.
Ian Wegener of Seismic Asia Pacific, Representative of Bluefin, has stated that the AUV showcased excellent performance and their client was overwhelmed with the quality of the information. He assured that the vehicle will offer new options for subsea surveying.
The incorporation of AST PROSAS Surveyor into the Bluefin-12 AUV was carried out for quickly demonstrating their fool-proof concept. The company took just nine months to develop, test and supply the AUV with the SAS payload, establishing the efficiency and adaptability of Bluefin’s modular layout.
The Bluefin-12 AUV can function continuously for 12 hours at a depth of 200 m in its present SAS configuration. Its battery packs can withstand different pressure levels and can be quickly substituted. Further, the subsystems can be easily serviced even in the field. The vehicle features several analysis and processing tools exclusively for the PROSAS Surveyor, which enables the user to competently categorize contacts.
The upcoming Bluefin-12 SAS systems will include a compact PROSAS Surveyor, which embraces built-in data handling and provides several power options for continued existence and efficiency. It was reported that the assessment of the Bluefin-12 SAS will continue through the first half of next year.
Source: http://www.bluefinrobotics.com