Wavefront Launches the vigilant FLS® 600: A New Era in Sonar Technology
Wavefront has officially commenced shipments of its eagerly awaited Vigilant FLS® 600, the newest member of the Vigilant sonar series.
This initial shipment will see the deployment of the first units across various platforms, including both manned and unmanned systems, as well as applications in surface and underwater environments.
Advanced Features of the Vigilant FLS 600
The Vigilant FLS 600 is a state-of-the-art navigation and obstacle avoidance sonar that generates a detailed, real-time 3D terrain map of the seabed. It boasts extraordinary resolution and clarity, along with automated alerts that notify users of potential obstacles in the water column ahead.
By utilizing its history mapping feature,the system constructs a comprehensive overview of the underwater landscape surrounding the vessel. This capability enhances situational awareness for both crewed and autonomous operations, facilitating safe navigation during tight maneuvers or when exiting confined spaces.
Operating Modes and Performance
The Vigilant FLS 600 operates in two primary modes: 3D mode and SONAR mode. Both modes provide an impressive 120-degree field of view across all range scales. the patented technology in 3D mode delivers remarkable depth imagery, extending further ahead of the platform than any other system, with effective ranges exceeding 20 times the water depth, up to a maximum of 600 meters and down to depths of 100 meters.
In SONAR mode, the system analyzes the intensity of acoustic data to determine the long-range positions of objects, also reaching distances of up to 600 meters. Data from both modes work in tandem to automatically generate alerts for operators or supervisory systems, ensuring timely warnings about navigational hazards.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Reflecting on this meaningful achievement, Wavefront’s Managing Director, Paul Badger, stated, “The Vigilant FLS 600 effectively connects UUV, AUV, and ASV applications with larger vessels such as mega yachts and cruise ships, providing high-resolution navigational imaging and long-range obstacle avoidance capabilities.”
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the introduction of the Vigilant FLS 600 marks a pivotal advancement in sonar technology, promising enhanced safety and efficiency for a wide range of marine operations.
