GeoAcoustics Demonstrates Sonar 2094 Successor of Dual Frequency Side Scan
GeoAcoustics Demonstrates Sonar 2094
Successor of Dual Frequency Side Scan
GeoAcoustics (a Kongsberg Company) demonstrated its Sonar 2094 Digital technology in a series of seminars and demonstrations held by Simrad Spain S.L. last November and December. Attending the events were the company’s naval scientific and industry customers.
Sonar 2094 Digital is the successor of the dual frequency side scan sonar which was first launched in 1996 and developed into an industry standard with over 1000 units sold throughout the world. The sonar has a 30-percent wider range than its predecessor–up to 150 m for 410 kHz per side. This is achieved using digital oversampling techniques.
Some of the features are:
• Simultaneous dual frequency 114 kHz and 410 kHz;
• 24-bit data acquisition offering a dynamic range that makes acquisition AGC and TVG obsolete thus providing repeatable results;
• Extended range performance through 20 MHz raw data sampling and dynamic digital filtering techniques;
• Improved resolution;
• Very long cable operation
Sonar 2094 Digital incorporates the established 159D towfish design which is now equipped with new fully digital electronics supported by a wide bandwidth link to the new Digital Side Scan Transceiver deck unit.
The towfish can be supplied with attitude and/or depth sensors options as well as an RS232 channel for a magnetometer interface. Its standard depth rating is 1000 meters with a 2000-meter rated towfish available.
Towfish specifications:
• Tow speed: 1 to 12 knots;
• Weight: 16.3kg (35.9 pounds) 22.5kg (49.5 pounds) or 38.6kg (84.9 pounds) depending on ballast used;
• Dimensions: 11.4cm deep (4.48 inches) by 128.5cm (50.6 inches) long. Three fins on the tail protrude 7.5cm (three inches);
• Frame is cast aluminum with a shear release carry handle/towpoint. The nose is of shock absorbing abrasive resistant urethane.
The Digital Side Scan Transceiver has an onboard Windows® PC for acquisition software installation and can be delivered with an inbuilt GPS interface.
Technicians demonstrated the capabilities of this technology for environmental mapping engineering and archaeology surveys as well as object detection and classification in Simrad Spain’s head office in Villajoyosa Alicante among other places along the Mediterranean coast of the peninsula.
Simrad Spain is the local Kongsberg office.
The Spanish Ministry for Environment Rural and Marine Affairs purchased a 2000-meter-rated system which will be commissioned on the R/V Vizconde de Eza for environmental mapping for fishery research.
