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Forward looking sonars can help navigate in
complex or uncharted waters - particularly
useful for applications which rely on it for
obstacle avoidance and route optimisation.
The ability to detect rocks, reefs, and
submerged wreckage allow vessels to adjust
their course well in advance, preventing
collisions. This is particularly useful in
environments like harbour approaches and
narrow shipping channels.
The fishing industry employs it to locate fish
populations and monitor aquaculture systems,
while salvage operations use it to find and
assess sunken vessels or cargo. It can support
hydrographic surveys by providing accurate
data for mapping seafloor topography and
assisting in sediment management.
It is used in marine research and environmental
monitoring by enabling detailed mapping of
underwater habitats and tracking marine life. In
defence and security, FLS is employed for
detecting underwater mines, unauthorised
divers, or potential threats near critical
infrastructure, ensuring maritime safety.
It can guide the placement of subsea structures
such as pipelines, cables, and offshore
platforms.
It ensures precision and reduces the risk of
damage to existing infrastructure or sensitive
marine habitats. Search and rescue operations
also benefit from FLS, as it facilitates the rapid
location of submerged objects, wreckage, or
missing individuals, even in murky waters
where traditional optical systems fail.
Forward-looking sonar also enhances
situational awareness during underwater
construction and engineering projects. In
activities such as dredging, pipeline
installation, or subsea infrastructure
maintenance, FLS provides a clear view of the
work area, enabling precise positioning of
equipment and materials.
APPLICATIONS
FEATURE FORWARD LOOKING SONAR
For forward-looking imaging, Impact Subsea offers
its ISS360HD which gives a 1deg acoustic angular
resolution, 2.5mm range resolution and a distance
measurement range in excess of 100m/328 ft. The
sonar is depth rated to 6000m / 19 685ft and comes
in a very compact form factor.
The ISS360HD has a very wide operational acoustic
bandwidth capability; 600 to 900kHz which is fully
utilised through CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity
Radar Pulse) technology. The wide bandwidth linear
CHIRP, combined with Phase Shift Keying and
coding techniques allows for an excellent range
resolution of 2.5mm when using the full bandwidth.
A narrow acoustic beam, combined with a very short
range resolution allows for extremely high definition
imagery to be produced. This makes the ISS360HD
ideal for work class ROV operations with excellent
range capability and ability to identify targets in
zero visibility.
The form factor of the sonar also opens this high
resolution capability up to even the smallest of
observation class ROVs.
In addition to the long range and high resolution
capabilities, the ISS360HD benefits from an
inductively coupled transducer. This means there
are no slip rings within the sonar – so there are no
components to wear out and require periodic
replacement.
The sonar optionally comes with an
integrated pitch and roll sensor,
allowing accurate attitude readings to
be provided. This is a very useful
capability when deploying the
sonar in applications using a
tripod to ensure level
positioning.
The integrated pitch and
roll sensor is also a useful
additional sensor reading for
some underwater vehicles.
ISS360HD
IMPACT SUBSEA
ISS360HD