NORBIT WINGHEAD B59S

A long-range multibeam system for medium and deep-water mapping from surface vessels. Its 60 kHz and 200 kHz operating modes combine broad depth capability with finer detail at the higher frequency. Active roll and pitch stabilisation are included; yaw stabilisation and detached inertial navigation are configuration options.

Medium and deep-water mapping

WINGHEAD B59S combines 60 kHz operation for longer range with 200 kHz operation for a smaller acoustic footprint. Applications include offshore mapping, geological investigations and preliminary cable and pipeline route surveys. Its approximately 2,500 m acoustic depth capability depends on noise, bottom reflectivity and water conditions. This acoustic capability is separate from the 50 m housing pressure rating.

Applications and survey workflow

Bathymetric data supports harbour maintenance, dredging assessment, route surveys and the inspection of submerged infrastructure. Survey line spacing and frequency are selected to balance feature definition, coverage and the expected water depth.

Before mobilisation, the survey team defines the coordinate system, vertical reference and required deliverables. Mounting geometry, sensor offsets and time synchronisation are checked as one installation. Positioning quality, vessel motion and sound-speed conditions are reviewed during acquisition so that the final dataset can be assessed against the project specification.

Integration and deliverables

The selected hardware and software configuration determines the available outputs and interfaces. A practical workflow includes installation checks, a trial line, field quality control and documented processing. Depending on the sensor, deliverables may include a bathymetric surface, an inspection image, a point cloud or an interpreted sediment profile. Kordil can evaluate the platform, operating environment and intended use when defining the system configuration.

Technical specifications

Operating frequencies	60 kHz and 200 kHz; FM and CW
Acoustic depth capability	Approximately 2,500 m
Swath sector	10–145°
Beam count	1024
Beam width	3.3° × 1.5° @ 60 kHz; 1.0° × 0.5° @ 200 kHz
Range resolution	7.2 cm @ 60 kHz; 1.8 cm @ 200 kHz
Stabilisation	Roll and pitch; yaw option
Housing depth rating	50 m
Weight, excluding bracket	Approximately 24 kg in air / 5 kg in water
Power	Typical <100 W

Specifications follow the original manufacturer brochure PS-240015-6. Acoustic range is distinct from housing depth rating. Options and operating conditions affect achievable performance.

Technical brochure

NORBIT WINGHEAD B59S original technical brochure — English PDF (PS-240015-6)