Underwater Sonar: Side-Scan Imaging Sonar & Forward Looking Sonar for Obstacle Avoidance & Navigation

United Kingdom
Wavefront Systems

Underwater Sonar: Side-Scan Imaging Sonar & Forward Looking Sonar for Obstacle Avoidance & Navigation

Wavefront develops state-of-the-art, market leading underwater imaging and navigation sonar systems for AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles), UUVs (Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles, USVs (uncrewed surface vessels), ASVs (Autonomous Surface Vessels) and towed platforms.

Our proven Solstice MAS® side-scan sonar and Vigilant FLS® forward looking sonar solutions are used globally in both civilian and military applications and are ideal for a wide variety of missions requiring technology to make your underwater world visible. From helping to ensure the safe navigation of uncrewed platforms to delivering class leading sonar imaging with very low power requirements, Wavefront products help extend the operational envelope of your uncrewed vessel.

combined payload

Additionally, Wavefront’s Sentinel IDS® Intruder Detection Sonar is used globally to protect critical national infrastructure, commercial and military ports and harbours, superyachts, commercial vessels and waterside assets against intrusion from divers, swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) or unmanned drones.

Underwater Sonar Imaging

Underwater Sonar Imaging

Wavefront specialize in multi-aperture underwater side imaging sonar which can easily be installed on AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles), ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), and towfish systems. SWaP (size, weight and power) optimized for endurance unmanned systems, the Solstice side-scan imaging sonar produces imagery suitable for simultaneous search and classification, and Computer Aided Detection and Classification (CAD/CAC).

Wavefront’s underwater sonar imaging products produce excellent results even in very shallow littoral environments, eliminate noise from multi-path reverberation, and enhance contrast to provide maximum object detection with minimal false alarms.

More information: Side-Scan Sonar >

Forward Looking Sonar

Forward Looking Sonar

Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) for navigation and collision avoidance of UUV (unmanned underwater vehicles) and USV (unmanned surface vessels) operating in uncharted and hazard-prone waters. The Vigilant FLS can be retrofitted to almost any existing unmanned vessel and is a subsea sonar capable of significantly reducing the risk of groundings and underwater collisions.

More information: Forward Looking Sonar >

Underwater Security Sonar

Sentinel IDS intruder detection sonar

Wavefront’s intruder detection sonar, Sentinel IDS automatically informs users of potential threats to subsea systems and equipment, without the need for sonar-trained personnel. Both a portable and permanent solution to underwater security, the system uses Wavefront’s unique SInAPS® technology, which combines the detection and tracking capabilities of active and passive sonar, to protect critical maritime infrastructure.

More information: Protection Sonar >

Applications

rov sonar for 3D Mapping & SurveyingMapping & Surveying 
Solstice is ideal for creating high-resolution, ultra-detailed maps of the seabed that can be used for environmental monitoring, nautical charts, oil and gas surveying, and more.

Underwater sonar for Mine Counter MeasuresMine Counter-Measures & Port Security
With excellent probability of detection and a low rate of false alarms, Solstice can provide crucial threat detection that keeps ports, maritime facilities and busy waterways safe from explosive devices.

Multibeam sonar for hydrographyHydrography
Solstice can be used to gather high-accuracy hydrographical data even in murky waters, characterising underwater features such as rock formations and obstructions.

UUV Sonar for Site Survey and ArchaeologyArchaeology & Salvage
UUV and AUV side-scan sonar surveys are ideal for surveying cultural heritage sites, shipwrecks, and other objects on the sea floor.

navigation sonarNavigation and Obstacle Avoidance
Our forward looking sonar systems provide USVs, UUVs and AUVs with critical early warning of hazards below the surface, allowing them to navigate with confidence in even the most challenging of waters.

sentinel IDS - Intruder Detection SonarIntruder Detection Sonar (IDS)
Our Sentinel IDS system automatically detects, classifies and tracks subsea threats approaching your protected area or asset, such as a diver, swimmer delivery vehicle or unmanned drone.

Products

Vigilant FLS® - Forward Looking Sonar

FLS for USV & UUV navigation and collision avoidance

Solstice MAS - Side-Scan Sonar

Multi-aperture side-scan sonar

Sentinel IDS® - Intruder Detection Sonar

Automatically detects, classifies and tracks subsea threats

Articles

Latest
Trials Demonstrate Intruder Detection Sonar Capabilities

Wavefront’s Sentinel IDS demonstrated combined active and passive tracking of medium and small AUVs and UUVs, capabilities that will aid both military and commercial security

Jan 31, 2025
Intruder Detection Sonar to Protect Vessels from Subsea & Surface Threats

A naval contract has been awarded for Wavefront’s Sentinel IDS to be fused into a range of new and legacy sensors, including navigational radars and infrared cameras

Dec 02, 2024
Q&A: Enhancing MCM with Combined AUV Payload

Wavefront talks to UST about a recent collaboration with L3Harris and Voyis to develop an AUV payload for mine countermeasures, designed to both reduce risks and improve efficiency in underwater operations

Jul 29, 2024
New Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Sonar Begins Shipments

Created for surface, subsurface, and crewed or uncrewed platforms, the new navigation and obstacle avoidance forward-looking sonar from Wavefront has made its first batch shipment

Jul 19, 2024
Multi-Aperture Sonar Integrated onto All-Terrain AUV

Wavefront’s Solstice MAS has been integrated with the Eelume-S All-Terrain AUV, delivering dependable, high-quality imagery and 3D bathymetry without the potential processing fragility

Apr 29, 2024
Simultaneous In-band Active & Passive Sonar for Threat Detection

Wavefront Systems has released the following article highlighting the advantages of its Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar for threat detection aboard...

Sep 22, 2023
The Evolution of Underwater Threats

Wavefront Systems discusses the growing threat of unmanned platforms in the underwater domain, and the company’s subsequent development of the...

Jul 06, 2023
Wavefront’s Live Demonstration of Sentinel Intruder Sonar

Wavefront Systems has released an article following live demonstrations of the Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar (IDS) and explains its key...

Jun 02, 2023
Solstice Multi Aperture Sonar Offers Benefits for MCM Operations

Wavefront Systems has released an article discussing the importance of choosing the right sonar payload for mine countermeasure operations, highlighting...

Mar 24, 2023
Wavefront Debuts Intruder Detection Sonar at NAVDEX 2023

Sentinel uses a new patented Simultaneous In-band Passive and Active Sonar (SInAPS) capability to enhance its detection and tracking capability, particularly against small unmanned underwater platforms

Feb 22, 2023
When Should Multi Aperture Sonar Be Used?

In this article, Dr Rob Crook, Director of Research at Wavefront Systems, discusses why Multi Aperture Sonar (MAS) is preferable...

Jan 23, 2023
Wavefront Solutions Keep Critical Infrastructure Safe From Sabotage

Wavefront Systems has released an article discussing the benefits of its Sentinel 2 Intruder Sonar for effective detection and classification...

Jan 16, 2023
Choosing the Right Sonar Imaging System for AUVs

Wavefront has released an article explaining when and why Multi Aperture Sonar (MAS) should be used over Synthetic Aperture Sonar...

Aug 31, 2022
Vigilant – Wavefront Systems’ Next Generation 3D Forward Looking Sonar

Wavefront Systems has released the following article discussing the benefits of equipping remotely piloted or autonomous platforms with its Vigilant...

Jun 15, 2022
Underwater Imaging & Navigation Sonar Systems for UUVs & USVs

Wavefront's underwater vision solutions are designed for both military and civilian applications

Jun 10, 2022
Forward Looking Sonar System Provides Underwater Situational Awareness for USVs

Wavefront has launched a new long-range, forward-looking sonar (FLS) designed to provide seaborne obstacle avoidance for unmanned surface vessels (USVs)....

Aug 22, 2020

Webinars

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Wavefront: Unlocking AUV Potential
Wavefront Systems
Mar 06, 2024
Regional Offices & Locations
Wavefront Systems Limited United Kingdom Camway, West 303, High Street, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JQ Contact Website