Kongsberg Maritime launches new acoustic positioning system

Sept. 2, 2014
Kongsberg Maritime has expanded its acoustic positioning product portfolio, which includes the established HiPAP system, with the launch of μPAP, a new compact and portable acoustic positioning system for operation from a surface vessel to track ROVs, tow fish, divers, and any other subsea target at depths to 4,000 m (13,123 ft).

Offshore staff

KONGSBERG, NorwayKongsberg Maritime has expanded its acoustic positioning product portfolio, which includes the established HiPAP system, with the launch of μPAP, a new compact and portable acoustic positioning system for operation from a surface vessel to track ROVs, tow fish, divers, and any other subsea target at depths to 4,000 m (13,123 ft).

μPAP operates in SSBL mode (LBL is also possible), where it measures the distance and direction to subsea transponders and computes a 3D position in local coordinates or in geographical coordinates. It offers high accuracy but is smaller, more compact, and easier to install on a vessel or other surface unit than larger acoustic positioning systems. The size, weight, and ease of installation makes μPAP a more flexible solution for a diverse range of applications.

μPAP introduces a series of advanced new transducers that can provide more accurate and reliable position data down to 4,000-m (13,123-ft) range. A built-in motion sensor in the μPAP transducer compensates for vessel roll and pitch movements. To meet market demands, the μPAP transducer is available in several versions featuring different built-in motion sensors and physical size.

μPAP benefits from the Cymbal acoustic protocol providing wideband spread spectrum acoustic positioning and data communication, though other acoustic protocols can be utilized. The system can also be used as a two-way modem to transfer data between a surface user computer and one or many underwater units. The μPAP system Operator Station (OS) and user-interface runs on a standard Laptop PC and features the Windows-based Acoustic Positioning Operating System (APOS). A built-in comprehensive and informative Online Help user guide is standard and describes a wide range of functions for acoustic positioning and data communication.

09/02/2014