Newsroom
T18-M
towed sonar
Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar
The T18-M towed sonar is designed for advanced underwater detection and mapping operations. Engineered for versatility and reliability, this sonar system excels in identifying and classifying underwater objects across diverse marine environments. Its robust design ensures efficient deployment and recovery, making it an ideal tool for Mine Countermeasure operations.
Features
The T18-M stands as an autonomous towed interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system, engineered for the real-time detection, classification, and mapping of seabed landscapes and mines. Derived from Exail’s A18-M Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, this innovative towed sonar vehicle features Exail’s synthetic aperture sonar Umisas and offers an operational depth capacity of up to 300 meters.
- Up to 8 kts mine hunting operations
- 3D high-resolution & coverage rate surveys
- Real-time data transfer
- Self-powered
- Easily deployable from various platforms, including Exail's Inspector 125 USV
- Common design, spare parts & logicistic optimization with A18-M AUV
- STANAG 1364 compliant
T18-M: a towed sonar for REAL-TIME SUBSEA THREAT DETECTION
Self-powered design for maximum mission efficiency
Thanks to its battery-powered design and small-diameter towing cable, the T18-M can operate at greater depths and achieve higher speeds.
Indeed, the self-powered design, like an AUV, eliminates the need for power supply wires in the towing cable, reducing its diameter. This decreases drag, allowing deeper dives or higher speeds.
A thinner cable also enables a smaller, lighter winch, reducing weight, power requirements, and integration constraints on the vessel or USV.
Positioning accuracy thanks to high-end sensors
The T18-M features a fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) inertial navigation system (INS) enhanced by a USBL (ultra-short baseline) system on the USV, ensuring precise localization of detected objects in minefields.
High-precision seabed mapping via real-time trajectory adjustment
- Ensures optimal underwater stability and constant linear speed.
- Streamlines area mapping and grid patterns through optimized trajectory planning.
High-precision imaging with Umisas technology
The T18-M towed sonar features the Umisas 240 interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (InSAS), delivering a high spatial resolution of approximately 3cm x 3cm to classify small, irregular objects (~50cm). Umisas integrates data from T18-M's inertial unit for SAS processing, eliminating the need for less reliable, dedicated SAS navigation sensors while ensuring precise geo-referenced imaging. Its navigation precision relies on a patented technique by Exail.
Force multiplier for MCM operations thanks to real-time data transfer
Integrated into the UMIS Toolbox as part of Exail’s comprehensive MCM system, it leverages Umisoft software for real-time data processing and target detection and classification. This enables operators to rapidly analyze information and make critical decisions with unmatched efficiency and confidence.
Why choose us?
Fast mine hunting operations
Wide area coverage at high speed - Up to 18 kts
Operational in high sea state conditions
Up to state 5
Real-time high threat assessment
With a 3D high viewing resolution and precise localization features
Easily deployable
From various platforms, including USVs and LARS
Reduced cost of ownership
Common design, spare parts & logistic with A18-M AUV
Downloads
Download all filesDatasheet T18-M
Datasheet
