Wavefront Systems has published an insightful article highlighting the advantages of its sentinel 2 Intruder sonar for the efficient detection and classification of underwater threats, including unmanned underwater vehicles (uuvs).
In a world marked by increasing instability, the frequency of assaults on underwater assets is on the rise. These threats, which are continuously evolving, can disrupt services or, in the worst-case scenario, devastate essential infrastructure. A notable instance is the attack on the Nord Stream pipeline in September 2022.
As technology advances,the challenge of detecting sabotage attempts becomes more complex.Those responsible for the upkeep of critical infrastructure are engaged in a relentless struggle to safeguard both personnel and assets.
The emergence of unmanned platforms in underwater environments introduces a fresh set of challenges for detection systems and countermeasures. While surface threats can be monitored through various means such as CCTV, radar, and access control, the underwater realm presents unique difficulties. The covert nature of this habitat,characterized by limited visibility,complex terrain,ambient noise,and the presence of marine life and debris,complicates the detection and classification of threats. Consequently, critical infrastructure accessed via water remains highly susceptible to attacks.
The rise of agile, autonomous UUVs poses an additional challenge. If the development of these underwater platforms progresses at a pace similar to that of aerial drones, it will necessitate the rapid evolution of subsea platforms, countermeasures, and detection technologies to keep pace with these advancements.
Underwater, satellite-based navigation systems are ineffective, complicating the precise tracking of incoming UUVs. The limited visibility makes it tough to utilize cameras for threat identification in an environment that is inherently challenging to assess. Detecting underwater intruders is notoriously difficult; for instance, divers can be slow-moving, often stationary, and relatively quiet, while small UUVs present a minuscule target.Coupled with a growing variety of threats and a busy marine environment—ranging from fixed locations like harbors to expansive underwater oilfields—the question arises: how do we effectively detect and monitor these threats? This is one of the critical issues Wavefront aims to address in the realm of subsea security.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies,extensive technical expertise,and a deep understanding of underwater monitoring,we have developed the Sentinel 2 Intruder Detection Sonar,which is designed to identify,classify,and neutralize a diverse array of emerging threats.
One of the standout features of Sentinel 2 is its versatility. It can be installed as a fixed system for protecting waterside assets such as pipelines, communication cables, offshore structures, ports, harbors, or military installations. alternatively, it is portable and can be deployed from various types of vessels. Utilizing both passive and active sonar capabilities, Sentinel 2 excels at detecting and classifying divers and subsea vehicles while filtering out irrelevant natural features. Whether used as a standalone sonar unit or integrated into a network as part of a subsea security perimeter, it offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for enhancing security measures. As critical infrastructure facilities increasingly seek to bolster their security protocols, Sentinel 2 stands out as a sonar solution that warrants serious consideration.
