Avoiding any need to wet-mate, WFS says the new device will enable UUVs and the like to communicate wirelessly with subsea devices at broadband rates over ranges up to 10m. Performance is unaffected by acoustic noise, turbidity, mud or ice and can cross through water/air interfaces.

Significantly improving data relay rates, it is particularly cost-effective and can also be used for through ground/rock applications. One of a series of advanced products for relay of offshore underwater sensor data, S5510 has been developed under a £1.1m two year research project co-funded by the government backed Technology Strategy Board. Other members of the WFS led consortium responsible for its development are Insensys Oil & Gas and Tritech International.