Katfish completes phase one sea trials

Kraken Sonar has completed phase one sea trials of its Katfish towed synthetic aperture sonar system, the company announced on 8 March.

Katfish is an actively controlled, intelligent towfish used to generate real-time, ultra-high resolution seabed images and 3D maps for a variety of military and commercial applications.

Katfish was put through trials to validate its towing performance at various speeds and sea states; to operate and validate the system's hydrodynamic flight sensors; and to operate onboard sonars including the AquaPix MINSAS 180 synthetic aperture sonar.

The system's Ultra Short Base Line positioning system using both topside and underwater inertial navigation was also tested, along with platform sensors for velocity, current, temperature and depth measurements. The system's launch and recovery system was also evaluated.

According to Kraken Sonar, the Katfish has exceeded performance expectations to date, and phase two testing will now commence. This will see the system's operational depth increased to 200m to enable a larger vertical maneuvering envelope; and the evaluation of the first version of Kraken's new SASView 3D visualization software.

At the same time, target detection performance of the MINSAS 180 sonar will be evaluated, using known targets of opportunity for detailed resolution and range measurements. Kraken's innovative Fault Detection and Fault Response (FDFR) system will be integrated into Katfish and exercised through the complete operating envelope, helping to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Pending the successful completion of phase two trials, Katfish will undergo final Factory Acceptance Testing. Shipment to the customer is planned for April 2017 followed by integration of the system onboard the customer's USV.

Tom Tureaud, Kraken's vice president for underwater systems said: 'We are very pleased with the positive results from the initial sea trials of Katfish. We are confident that the Katfish system will provide a considerable advancement in seabed survey missions for military and commercial applications.'