New portable multibeam system - by David Goodfellow
The deck unit of GeoAcoustics’ new Geoswath Plus phase measuring bathymetric sonar system, available with a complete software package.
Great Yarmouth based GeoAcoustics, a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime, has extended its range of GeoSwath multibeam systems with the introduction of a compact portable version for shallow water operations aboard small vessels such as dinghies and jet skies.
The dual transducer configuration of GeoSwath Plus has a field view of over 240º, while its splash protected deck unit operates on 24V with 40W power consumption and can be connected to laptops or direct to monitors and keyboards.
Designed for simultaneous swath bathymetry and sidescan seabed mapping while providing coverage of up to 12 times water depth, the system is claimed to be ideal for high accuracy hydrographic mapping, dredging, environmental and inspection surveys in addition to military mine counter measure applications. Its wet section comprises an integrated mounting for a newly designed transducer head and all ancillary sensors, while it can be pre-calibrated for rapid installation.
Three frequency versions are available, 125, 250 and 500 kHz, for depth performances of 200m, 100m and 50m respectively. A complete system is said to weigh as little as 17kg. Versions for AUV and ROV deployment are also available.
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