FarSounder asserts that the rapid advancement of Autonomous and Uncrewed Surface Vessels (ASVs/USVs) is reshaping maritime operations, driven by improvements in broadband connectivity, AI-based control systems, and the evolving needs of defense and commercial sectors.
The growing success of uncrewed systems in conflict zones, such as Ukraine, has further accelerated their development, presenting significant opportunities for their adoption in hydrographic surveying, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and even future cargo and passenger transport.
However, as these vessels take on more complex missions, one critical aspect of navigation remains largely overlooked: real-time awareness of what lies beneath the surface.
The Underwater Navigation Gap
Historically, USV design has prioritized above-water sensors—including GPS, AIS, radar, and optical/thermal cameras—to ensure compliance with maritime regulations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Rules of the Road and COLREGs.
Early testing of these systems typically took place in well-charted areas or deep waters, where the risk of underwater hazards was minimal. But as these vessels expand into more challenging environments, the limitations of this approach are becoming clear.
Many USVs rely on standard electronic navigational charts (ENCs) for underwater awareness. However, chart data can be unreliable outside major shipping lanes, particularly in coastal regions where local knowledge has traditionally guided navigation.
Unlike crewed vessels, which benefit from human observations and experienced bridge crews, uncrewed platforms face significant situational awareness gaps. Moreover, charts cannot account for transient obstacles, changes in the seabed due to seasonal conditions or natural disasters, or operations in GPS-denied environments.
Above-water sensors, while invaluable for detecting surface obstacles and other vessels, cannot identify underwater hazards such as uncharted rock pinnacles, coral heads, or submerged debris. They struggle to detect whales, submerged icebergs, or shifting bathymetry in austere environments. Without a comprehensive underwater awareness system, USVs risk serious navigational challenges, potentially limiting their operational reach and effectiveness.
Bridging the Gap with Forward-Looking Sonar
Fortunately, a proven solution exists to address these limitations: 3D Forward-Looking Sonar (3D FLS). This mature technology complements traditional navigation sensors by providing real-time, high-resolution underwater data.
When integrated with existing USV control systems and remote operators, 3D FLS significantly enhances situational awareness, mitigating risks associated with unseen underwater hazards.
FarSounder’s Argos 3D Forward-Looking Sonar operates at ranges from 350 meters (more than 1,100 feet) to 1,000 meters (over half a nautical mile) ahead of the vessel. Since its first installations in 2005, FarSounder’s technology has been deployed across a wide range of manned vessels and, since 2021, has been incorporated into multiple uncrewed platforms. Today, Argos sonars are installed on defense and commercial USVs starting at 14 meters in length.
Beyond immediate obstacle detection, the Argos series continuously builds a bathymetric map of its operational area, allowing for real-time navigation adjustments. This data can be stored and shared anonymously across the FarSounder fleet, creating a collaborative underwater mapping network. The sonar’s output is accessible via a machine interface for autonomous vehicle control systems or through a graphical display for human-in-the-loop operators.
Unlocking the Full Potential of USVs
By incorporating 3D Forward-Looking Sonar, USVs gain an essential capability that extends their mission profiles, enhances operational safety, and expands their potential applications.
From defense missions to environmental monitoring and commercial operations, real-time underwater awareness ensures that uncrewed vessels can navigate more effectively in complex and uncharted environments. As ASV/USV technology continues to evolve, the integration of advanced underwater sensing systems like the Argos 3D FLS will be key to unlocking their full potential.
To learn more, visit the FarSounder website.
