New Miniature Multibeam Echosounder for USVs Launched

By Mike Ball / 02 Jul 2020
Follow UST

UnderPicotech PicoMB130 Surf Multibeam Echosounder

Picotech has launched the PicoMB-130-Surf, an integrated multibeam echosounder for man-portable USVs (unmanned surface vehicles) and other small survey vessels. Designed to facilitate ultra-high resolution surveys for such platforms, the PicoMB-130-Surf is, according to Picotech, the world’s smallest integrated multibeam echosounder. It is designed for a wide variety of maritime missions including marine engineering, site inspection, environmental monitoring, site clearance and hydrographic surveying.

Featuring an integrated sonar processor and Applanix POS MV high-accuracy GNSS+IMU (inertial measurement unit), the low-SWaP (size, weight and power) package enables rapid mobilisation, simple launch and recovery, and long-endurance missions. The water-resistant system is IP67-rated and utilises rugged fully over-moulded digital transducers that are immune to galvanic corrosion.

The PicoMB-130-Surf is fully compatible with industry-standard acquisition and processing software packages, including BeamworX, EIVA NaviSuite, Xylem HYPACK, Teledyne PDS and QPS QINSy.

Picotech has also launched a new USV, the PicoCAT, featuring an open-source autopilot as well as remote control with telemetry and audible alerts for RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), vehicle and payload battery consumption and switch warnings. When equipped with the PicoPOD low-power multibeam sonar systems, the PicoCAT provides a single-person-portable turnkey autonomous multibeam survey solution that can operate for up to 13 hours on one set of LiPo batteries.

Allan Willcox, director of Picotech, commented: “Picotech continues to invest in its research and development, ensuring we are at the forefront of underwater innovation. Our customers can expect outstanding performance and reliability from our latest products, in a supremely lightweight and compact unit.”

Find manufacturers of Echo Sounders & Underwater Sonar >>

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact
Latest Articles