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SRS moved the sidescan sonar transducers from the underside of FUSION to a picatinny rail mounting system, enabling more flexible placement and improved survey results.
FUSION vehicles can be equipped with the side scan option that provides lateral sonar imaging for additional coverage and perspective. The system proves especially valuable during search operations, as it expands visibility and operational efficiency. Combined with forward-looking sonar and an intuitive interface, this platform functions as a comprehensive search and surveying solution.
HARDWARE
The side scan transducers come from Blueprint Subsea and are positioned within the lower skids of the FUSION vehicle for protection. The 450kHz transducers deliver a 60 degree vertical beam and 0.5 degree horizontal beam. The electronics integrate into the vehicle's main electronics rack, enabling side scan capability to be added as a retrofit if needed.
SOFTWARE
The system includes extensive software controls and features for sonar operation. Within the user interface operators have common controls including palettes, range, clamp, slope, gain, mark target and pause waterfall. The waterfall display operates continuously alongside forward-looking sonar, video feeds, and position data.
Additional visualization capabilities include real-time mosaic functionality. This feature allows operators to easily illustrate, export and manipulate coverage areas with adjustable inner/outer clip, blending, and transparency settings. The forward-looking sonar addresses coverage gaps in the side scan's nadir region while minimizing search grid overlap.
The side scan transducers are manufactured by partner company Blueprint Subsea and embedded in the lower skids on the FUSION vehicle.
Protected from impact the 450kHz transducers provide a 60 degree vertical beam and 0.5 degree horizontal beam.
The electronics are embedded within the FUSION vehicle electronics rack allowing the side scan transducers to be added at a later date.
There are a multitude of useful software controls and features relating to the use of the side scan sonar.
Within the user interface operators have common controls including palettes, range, clamp, slope, gain, mark target and pause waterfall.
The waterfall display is active while operating FUSION and viewable alongside forward-looking sonar, video and position.
The FUSION user interface includes real time side scan sonar mosaic functionality. With the mosaic feature full coverage areas can be easily illustrated, exported and manipulated.
There are options to adjust inner and outer clip, blending, transparency and more. All functions are accessible in real time or post processing to produce impressive mosaics for export in different formats.
The forward-looking sonar can be used to gap fill the Nadir region of the side scan sonar to minimize overlap in search grids as well as ensure total coverage.
