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3D sonar deployment system

Ocean Yacht Systems (OYS) have designed, engineered and manufactured a retractable sonar leg solution for a 35m commercial vessel.  The accuracy of the 3D maps, from the surveys taking place onboard R/V Prince Madog have significantly improved as a result of this equipment installed by OYS.

Having come to the realisation they were regularly making changes to the sonar legs from their current supplier, Reson approached OYS looking for a solution.  OYS are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to finding customised solutions that are cost effective.

The issue
The sonar being installed was a Seabat 7125 by Reson.  It is used for a variety of surveys including pipeline inspection, topographical surveys, general surveys and surveying wrecks. With an inbuilt GPS and software, multiple passes can be performed over a site to build up an accurate 3D map/image of the subsea surface. All of this technology relies on the accuracy of the installation of the sonar, which if not held robustly in place, will not produce clear enough images.

The solution
OYS has designed and engineered an hydraulic leg, that with the sonar deployed, will sit firmly in its position.  In this position an area can be accurately surveyed multiple times, as the sonar can be correctly calibrated to achieve the highest resolution. The leg includes an OYS designed ‘Flow Plate’ which closes the hole the sonar retracts into, this reduces turbulent water flow around the sonar in operation.

The result
With the help of the knowledge and expertise at OYS, R/V Prince Madog is now producing 3D maps of subsea areas at the highest accuracy.

For more information contact the OYS team on +44 1202 596600