Visitors to Stand 30 during MAST Americas will be able to examine the first operational images captured using Sonardyne’s new sidescan sonar Solstice.

Originally leaked to the market in March 2010, Solstice has completed rail and sea trials and is claimed by the UK-based company to be the “best of class” high frequency non-SAS sidescan sonar available, a “game-changing” technology that will redefine users’ expectations from an AUV sonar.

Targetted at VSW and SW AUV deployments the innovative Solstice technology overcomes the vagaries of the acoustic environment that normally conspire to produce poor results from conventional and SAS technology. In the VSW and SW environments there are no current solutions that provide 5-15cm resolution at greater than 5xWD, Solstice delivers the highest resolution theoretically achievable at that position in space relative to the sensor i.e. SAS like @5cm until the spatial sampling rate significantly exceeds the resolution the interpolated real-time image continues to deliver dramatically increased resolution at over 10xWD aiding classification

Solstice boasts 32 channels that deliver extreme multi-beam performance combined with integrated bathymetry in a compact, ultra low power (<12W total) imaging platform for AUVs. Proprietary techniques are adopted to provide the ultimate in dynamic focus, they include; Real-time Auto Calibration, Classification Optimised Focussed Imaging and Multipath Suppression Array Technology. Together they deliver undistorted object imagery that is displayed with high resolution, high contrast and minimal geometric distortion leading to higher probabilities of correct target classification on the vehicle in real time.

Solstice enables genuine automatic target recognition (ATR) with the added benefits of >200% operational capability when compared to SAS and even higher operational improvements when compared with conventional sidescan.

The image shown here is a demonstration of imagery obtained from a pole mounted array onboard a moving platform at an initial water depth of @7m running into shallows with the sonar mounted 1m below the water line. (View full-size image.)

Alongside Solstice, Sonardyne will also be updating visitors on the latest developments with their Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar which is now operational worldwide protecting ports, vessels and waterside infrastructure.

MAST Americas firmly on the radar

MASTs organisers are confident for a great first MAST Americas event in just under two weeks.

The pre-registration profile has a higher ratio of government:civilian/industry than expected, as has the geographic distribution for a launch show (pre-registered delegates represent 25 countries). Additionally there is a better balance across above and below surface domain.

“Feedback from events that we have visited in the past few weeks indicates that there is quite a buzz of anticipation surrounding MAST Americas – we are currently inundated with last minute registrations,” stated MAST Director Warren Edge. “Many delegates are new to MAST, and we are excited at the ‘cross-pollination’ prospects across MAST events, both in terms of addressing key security and defence issues, and creating opportunities for meetings across borders that may not otherwise be possible.”

Last few rooms available at Hyatt for MAST Americas – Book now!

If you haven’t already booked your accommodation for this month’s MAST Americas event, now is the time to do so!

Additional Government Per diem rate rooms have been added to the MAST allocation.

As the official MAST Americas hotel (and venue) The Hyatt Regency will form the centre of all activities, social functions, impromptu hospitality and more during MAST week, and whether you qualify for Government per-diem rate or not, the Hyatt guarantees its very lowest rates for all MAST Americas participants.

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