Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has awarded a contract to Kraken Sonar Systems for its AquaPix interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (InSAS).

Designed to deliver seabed images with unmatched image resolution and detail, the system will be used by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to improve accuracy and better decision-making when conducting various imaging and surveillance missions.

Kraken Sonar president and CEO Karl Kenny said DSTO requires advanced sonar technology to perform increasingly complex, data-intensive seabed imaging missions.

"The AquaPix InSAS platform combines significant hardware and software engineering innovations to create an efficient and extremely effective product for leading-edge technology users such as DSTO."

"The AquaPix InSAS platform combines significant hardware and software engineering innovations to create an efficient and extremely effective product for leading-edge technology users such as DSTO," Kenny said.

Equipped with Kraken’s Insight SAS image processing software, the InSAS system enhances the shadow definition of objects that are beneath the water surface with the help of advanced signal processing capabilities and precision sonar imaging techniques.

Providing detailed constant resolution seabed images from all angles of an underwater vehicle, AquaPix provides three-dimensional bathymetric data and depth accuracy under the IHO S44 special order requirements.

The system also provides cost-effective and ultra-high-resolution imagery in support of mine countermeasures, Q-route surveys, wreck searches, cable/pipeline survey missions.

Kraken’s Australia agent, Voyager Electronics, will deliver the system to DSTO.

Responsible for implementing science and technology to safeguard and defend Australia and its national interests, DSTO delivers innovative defence solutions to agencies such as the RAN.