Innovative Collaboration in Mine Countermeasures
Andy Covey from Wavefront Systems recently discussed their partnership with L3Harris and Voyis, focusing on the development of a unified AUV payload aimed at enhancing mine countermeasure operations through the integration of the Solstice MAS™ – Multi-Aperture sonar.
Addressing Key Challenges in Mine Countermeasures
Thank you for joining us today. Your recent collaboration with L3Harris and voyis has led to the creation of the Recon LS/Wavefront Solstice MAS Combined AUV payload for mine countermeasures (MCM). What specific challenges does this partnership aim to tackle?
Our joint effort with L3Harris and Voyis was initiated to confront various obstacles present in mine countermeasure operations.
MCM operations typically encompass four critical phases: detection, classification, identification, and disposal or neutralization.
Currently, side-scan sonar is primarily utilized for mine detection and occasionally for classification. however, visual identification necessitates the involvement of clearance divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to navigate the minefield, which can be both time-consuming and perilous, particularly in areas with intricate seabed structures.
The system incorporates our Solstice MAS™ – Multi-Aperture Sonar, a 4K digital still camera, and a high-resolution laser scanner to streamline this process. This technology minimizes risks to divers by enabling autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to discreetly detect, classify, and identify mine-like objects (MLOs).
Moreover, deploying multiple assets into possibly perilous environments can be inefficient, especially when relying on subpar sensor data, posing risks to personnel involved in the operation.
Enhancing NATO’s AUV Capabilities
Can you elaborate on how the combined AUV payload addresses these challenges and the benefits it offers to NATO’s AUV capabilities?
The payload features a single, cohesive forward payload section that integrates Voyis’ compact dynamic laser scanner and 4K imaging system alongside our Solstice MAS. This unified system facilitates efficient data collection and processing, significantly enhancing NATO’s AUV capabilities.
Solstice provides high-resolution, reliable imagery that is ideal for extensive search and classification tasks. The Voyis compact dynamic laser scanner complements Solstice by capturing high-resolution 3D point-cloud data.
The Voyis 4K imaging system produces sharp, well-lit still images, enhanced by edge-computed image processing. This high-resolution data enables precise identification of mine-like objects (MLOs) flagged by the Solstice MAS.
Our Solstice MAS offers sonar swath coverage of 200 meters and high-resolution bathymetry, allowing for the efficient scanning of vast areas. The integrated systems can covertly detect, classify, and identify MLOs, significantly reducing the need for divers or ROVs to enter hazardous minefields.
This payload redefines the approach to MCM operations, enabling single assets to undertake complex missions without the need for additional resources within the minefield, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
The L3Harris Iver4 900 vehicle provides the payload with stability and endurance, allowing NATO AUVs to function in challenging environments and perform a variety of missions, including search and rescue, surveillance, mine countermeasures, and oceanographic studies.
Wide area shot of the seabed and zoom window showing an aircraft wreck
Advantages of Solstice Multi-Aperture Sonar in MCM Operations
What specific advantages does the Solstice multi-aperture side-scan sonar provide for MCM operations?
In contrast to coherent synthetic aperture sonars, the Solstice MAS produces imagery devoid of coherent speckle noise. This system delivers high-quality imagery even on smaller autonomous vehicles operating in challenging littoral environments.The exceptional sonar imagery is achieved through proprietary software processing and innovative physical sonar array technology.
Solstice is user-amiable,simplifying mission planning. The area coverage rate increases with speed while maintaining a constant range, making survey outcomes more predictable and manageable.
The system operates on just 18 Watts (with an additional 8 Watts for full on-board processing), optimizing vehicle endurance.
Widely regarded as a force multiplier for MCM operations,Solstice enables significantly higher area coverage rates (ACR) using cost-effective,low-logistics AUVs.
Customization Options for Sonar payloads
What customization options do you provide for adapting sonar payloads to specific AUV missions or environmental conditions?
Our Solstice S4000-300 is a distinctive MAS designed to deliver exceptional imagery. This system combines the high performance of synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) with the durability and reliability of customary side-scan sonar,making it suitable for actively stabilized towed vehicle platforms,such as the EIVA Equinox or larger AUVs.
Additionally, our Solstice S3000L-300 offers near SAS quality imagery and is compatible with towed bodies or autonomous vehicles operating at depths of up to 300 meters.The system is also designed for use on autonomous vehicles with a depth rating of up to 600 meters.
It has been a pleasure discussing the latest integration of your Solstice MAS in the combined AUV Payload for MCM.Thank you for sharing your insights.
