FarSounder

FarSounder is a leading developer of 3D forward looking sonar (FLS) technology, a valuable underwater navigation tool for USVs (unmanned surface vessels) and ASVs (autonomous surface vessels).

Their advanced underwater navigation sonar systems feature an extremely fast update rate that provides the entire 3D image within a single ping. FLS 3D data is highly reliable for the detection of hazards, obstacles and shallows, enhancing safety and navigation capabilities. The systems are also integratable with a vessel’s navigation controller.

Jump down to 3D forward looking sonar solutions >

Advanced Underwater 3D Detection

FarSounder’s advanced underwater sonar systems provide highly reliable detection of hazards, obstacles and shallows, enhancing safety and navigation capabilities.

Argos navigation sonar systems feature unique phased array technology with an extremely fast update rate that provides the entire 3D image within a single ping, eliminating wait time. This rapid refresh also means that results are unaffected by multipath interference, roll & pitch, surface effects, and vessel motions.

Software & Integration

FarSounder offers multiple interface options for users to quickly and intuitively interact with the data collected by their Argos 3D forward looking sonars – SonaSoft™ (Windows desktop app), SonaSoft LT™ (browser app), and/or 3rd party integrations via network API.

SonaSoft™ LT user interface displaying integrated SEA.AI camera detections:

Data can be displayed on both an intuitive 3D display and as an overlay on nautical charts including S57/S63 and C-MAP Professional charts, providing an easy-to-understand interface that allows USVs to be piloted through unknown and uncharted waters.

Farsounder now has the ability to integrate into WECDIS/ECDIS platforms

There is also an option for projects wanting to use the bathymetric data collected by the system in survey applications. Therefore, in addition to underwater navigation, the data can be exported to QPS Qinsy survey software to monitor bathymetry and detected hazards in Qinsy. Users will be able to incorporate bathymetric data collected using FarSounder’s forward looking sonar capability into their workflow.

FarSounder’s easily-integrated navigation sonar systems are ideal for both new-build and retrofitted systems, and are suitable for vessels both with and without bulbs.

Seafloor Mapping

FarSounder’s Local History Mapping feature allows the Forward Looking Sonar to automatically build detailed maps of areas a vessel has previously traveled.

As the system operates, it records and stores depth measurements, creating a growing local database that can be referenced whenever the vessel returns to the same waters. These maps can also be shared across a fleet, giving multiple vessels access to accumulated survey data. Users may additionally choose to opt in to anonymously contribute their collected seafloor data to the wider FarSounder community. In return, they gain access to an aggregated map built from other customers’ contributions, while also supporting global ocean-mapping efforts such as the Seabed 2030 initiative.

3D Sonar Solutions

Argos 350 Forward Looking Sonar System

Navigation sonar for USVs

90° up to 350m range

The Argos 350 Forward Looking Sonar System is designed for vessels ranging in length from 10 to 40+ metres . With the ability to detect hazards and obstacles at distances of up to 350 metres ahead, it is operational at speeds up to 18 knots.

The system provides USV operators with all the real time sonar information they need to confidently navigate reefs, shallow wrecks, icebergs and a variety of other challenging marine environments. In addition to obstacle avoidance, the 3D sonar data is crucial for a wide range of mapping and survey applications.

The Argos 350 can be installed in two different ways to suit the needs of a range of USV, AUV and unmanned vessels – an easy fixed installation, or a hoist installation in a 10-inch diameter sea chest.

More information: Argos 350

Argos 500 Forward Looking Sonar

Underwater sonar navigation system

120° up to 200m range
90° up to 500m range

The Argos 500 3D FLS provides reliable detection of shallows and underwater obstacles, hazards and targets at distances of up to 500m in front of the vessel. It can be operated on boats moving at speeds of up to 20 knots.

The system is ideal for mid-size USVs that require high-accuracy collision avoidance capabilities, or the ability to easily and conveniently map shallow underwater environments.

Featuring a transducer with no moving parts, the Argos 500 is easily integrated into the hulls of both new-build and retrofitted vessels, and can also be built into custom third-party hoists.

DARPA NOMARS Defiant prototype vessel featuring the Argos 500 system (Credit: Serco North America)

More information: Argos 500

Argos 1000 Long-Range FLS

Forward facing sonar for USV navigation

120° up to 200m range
90° up to 500m range
60° up to 1000m range

The Argos 1000 is FarSounder’s most powerful Forward Looking Sonar system, providing reliable collision avoidance and hazard detection 1000 metres (0.5 nautical miles) in front of the vessel at operating speeds up to 25 knots.

The system is ideal for both current and future large unmanned surface vessels (USV), allowing these platforms to overcome the limitations of traditional navigation methods and allow operating crews to pilot the vessel through challenging environments with significantly reduced risk of collision.

The Argos 1000’s transducer has no moving parts, allowing it to be easily integrated into a variety of hull shapes on both new-build and retrofitted vessels. It can also be built into custom third-party hoists to suit specific user requirements.

More information: Argos 1000 Long-Range FLS

Product comparison:

Watch an introduction to the Argos 3D Forward Looking Navigation Sonar Systems: