Kraken Secures Synthetic Aperture Sonar Order from HII
Kraken Robotics Inc. has announced an initial order of its AquaPix® Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) System for HII's new REMUS 620 Medium Class UUV. Synthetic Aperture Sonar is increasingly preferred for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations due to its higher resolution and area coverage rates compared to legacy side scan sonar. The order, valued at $1 million, will be fulfilled in 2024.
Enhancing Deep Water Coral Restoration
The REMUS 620 systems with Kraken MINSAS will be used by teams led by NOAA to identify deep water corals and other sensitive habitats for restoration activities following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Kraken has been collaborating with NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to integrate and deploy a MINSAS 120 system on a legacy REMUS 600, enabling high-resolution habitat mapping. The use of Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data significantly improves efficiency over traditional ROV surveys.
Expanding Mine Hunting Capabilities
Kraken's SAS products have been integrated into HII Unmanned Systems' range of small, medium, and large AUVs, offering opportunities to enhance the Mine Hunting and MCM Capabilities of NATO nations. The MINSAS system's modular design allows for customization based on customer requirements, providing flexibility for additional sensor or battery payloads. The high-resolution, real-time onboard beamforming of Kraken's MINSAS supports embedded ATR, enabling smart autonomy features.
In conclusion, Kraken's order for its MINSAS System from HII showcases the increasing demand for Synthetic Aperture Sonar in mine countermeasure operations. The collaboration between Kraken and HII enhances the capabilities of UUVs and contributes to the efficient restoration of sensitive habitats. Kraken's innovative technology positions it as a key player in the marine technology industry.
Hot Take: Impact of Kraken's Synthetic Aperture Sonar Order on New Businesses
Kraken Robotics' recent order from HII for its AquaPix® Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) System highlights the growing demand for advanced sonar technology in mine countermeasure operations. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges for new businesses in the marine technology industry.
Opportunities and Challenges
On the one hand, the increasing preference for Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) over traditional side scan sonar opens up opportunities for startups specializing in advanced sonar technology. The success of Kraken's MINSAS System demonstrates the market's readiness to adopt innovative solutions that offer higher resolution and area coverage rates.
However, the collaboration between Kraken and HII also presents a significant challenge. Their joint efforts to enhance the capabilities of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and contribute to efficient habitat restoration set a high standard for new entrants in the industry. To compete, new businesses will need to offer products that match or exceed the performance and versatility of Kraken's MINSAS System.
Adapting to the Market
In conclusion, while the growing demand for SAS presents opportunities for new businesses, it also raises the bar in the marine technology industry. To succeed, new businesses will need to stay on the cutting edge of sonar technology and demonstrate their ability to meet diverse customer requirements.