22 January 2013

Kraken Awarded AquaPix® Sonar Contract by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation


<< AquaPix® provides ultra-high resolution imagery and superior swath coverage compared to conventional side scan sonar. Image: Kraken Sonar 

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND – JANUARY 14, 2013 – Kraken Sonar Systems Inc., a leading marine technology company, announced today that it has been awarded a contract for an AquaPix® Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar system by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

DSTO is the Australian government’s lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests. DSTO delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative defence solutions to agencies such as the Royal Australian Navy.

Kraken’s AquaPix® Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar (InSAS) system provides seabed images with unprecedented image resolution and detail. The system leverages the sophisticated signal processing capabilities and unique imaging technologies of Kraken's revolutionary INSIGHT™ SAS image processing software. Precision sonar imaging techniques sharpen detail and enhance the shadow definition of underwater objects. The exceptional image quality improves accuracy and increases confidence in decision-making.

AquaPix® is capable of providing detailed seabed images with a constant resolution better than 3cm out to a range of 300m from each side of an underwater vehicle (600m swath). It can also produce 3D bathymetric data with a resolution better than 25cm x 25cm while delivering depth accuracy in compliance with IHO S44 special order requirements.

The system provides cost-effective and ultra-high resolution imagery that’s ideal for mine countermeasures, Q-route surveys, wreck searches, cable/pipeline survey and a wide variety of other seabed imaging and surveillance missions.

“Customers such as DSTO require advanced sonar technology to perform increasingly complex, data-intensive seabed imaging missions," said Karl Kenny, President and CEO for Kraken Sonar. "The AquaPix® InSAS platform combines significant hardware and software engineering innovations to create an efficient and extremely effective product for leading edge technology users such as DSTO. We’re truly honoured to have such a prestigious organization as a customer."

The AquaPix® system will be delivered to DSTO via Kraken’s Australia agent, Voyager Electronics located in Lakes Entrance, Victoria. Financial terms and contract details were not disclosed.