kordil logo

LCSonar

Shark-S457M Multibeam Side Scan Sonar

S457M.jpg

The Shark-S457M Multibeam Side Scan Sonar is a high-end, deep-water seabed imaging system designed for high-speed, wide-area surveys and precise small-target detection. Utilizing multibeam side scan architecture with 14 beams (7 per side) and advanced Dynamic Focusing Technology, the system significantly enhances along-track resolution compared to conventional side scan sonars. The Shark-S457M supports dual operating modes, allowing real-time switching between high-speed single-frequency operation at 450 kHz and low-speed dual-frequency operation at 100 kHz and 450 kHz, achieving an optimal balance between survey speed, range, and image resolution.

The sonar is housed in a pressure-resistant towfish available in 316 stainless steel or lightweight carbon-fiber construction, rated for operation down to 2000 m water depth. Integrated sensors—including an independent single-beam echosounder, IMU (pitch, roll, heading), and pressure sensor—enable accurate towfish positioning and real-time safety monitoring. Supplied with OTech proprietary sonar software, the Shark-S457M supports real-time mosaicking, adaptive image equalization, survey planning, navigation, data recording and playback, target management, and standard XTF output, ensuring compatibility with third-party post-processing software. Its ability to operate at speeds of up to 12 knots makes it particularly suitable for time-critical and large-area survey missions.

Key Features:

  • Multibeam side scan architecture: 7 beams per side, 14 beams total
  • Dynamic Focusing Technology for significantly enhanced along-track resolution
  • Dual operating modes:
  • High-speed mode: 450 kHz
  • Low-speed mode: 100 kHz & 450 kHz (dual frequency)
  • Transmission modes: Linear Frequency Modulated (LFM) CHIRP and Continuous Wave (CW)
  • Real-time online switching between high-speed and low-speed modes
  • Maximum operating range (per side): up to 600 m @ 100 kHz and 180 m @ 450 kHz (environment dependent)
  • Horizontal beamwidth: 0.56° @ 100 kHz and 0.12° @ 450 kHz
  • Vertical beamwidth: 50°
  • Across-track resolution: 1 cm
  • Along-track resolution:
  • 450 kHz: 18 cm @ 75 m, 36 cm @ 150 m
  • 100 kHz: 0.01h (h = towfish height above seabed)
  • Operating speed: 2–12 knots (high-speed mode), 2–6 knots (low-speed mode)
  • Depression angle: adjustable downward 10°, 15°, or 20° (factory preset at 20°)
  • Maximum depth rating: 2000 m
  • Standard towfish sensors: independent single-beam echosounder, IMU (pitch, roll, heading), and pressure sensor
  • Towfish construction: pressure-resistant housing available in 316 stainless steel (70 kg) or carbon fiber (46 kg)
  • Towfish size: 2030 mm × 130 mm (length × diameter)
  • Power supply / consumption: 110/220 VAC, approximately 75 W average
  • OTech software: real-time mosaicking, live navigation and coverage display, survey planning, data recording and playback, target management

Brochures