ARC Explorer Mk-II Side Scan Sonar delivered

The new Mk-II system offers a number of improvements over its popular predecessor including a stainless steel tow fish body, new tail section and enhanced software and is designed for search, survey, and recovery applications.

Delivery followed a series of extensive trials carried out on the River Moy in Ballina Co Mayo Ireland, with the team from the River Moy Search & Rescue, Marine Sonic Technology & Planet Ocean.

Quality imaging

The trials and training, which were carried out using an advanced prototype system at their Ballina facility, included spotting and identifying divers lying on the bottom in difficult to isolate locations.

Adaptive CHIRP Technology provides the highest imaging quality possible from a side scan sonar with its 900 kHz and 1800 kHz transducers and supports ranges up to 60% greater than non-adaptive CHIRP systems, according to Planet Ocean.

High-resolution imaging and simultaneous dual frequency operation in conjunction with a fully adjustable tow point and transducer angle make the sonar an ideal tool for survey and infrastructure inspection applications that require a high level of flexibility.

Other benefits include a rugged design, compact size to operate from RMSR’S rigid boats without davits and a 300m depth rating in a one-man portable system.

By Rebecca Jeffrey