WINGHEAD i87S
Norbit Winghead i87S
WINGHEAD i87S
Wide-area medium-depth surveys
WINGHEAD i87S uses a nominal 100 kHz frequency with 70–240 kHz frequency agility for medium-depth bathymetry. Applications include offshore mapping, geological surveys and preliminary cable and pipeline route investigations. The 1,200 m range is subject to the manufacturer’s operating conditions. Standard roll and pitch stabilisation should be distinguished from optional yaw stabilisation and dual-swath functions.
Survey workflow and quality control
Before mobilisation, the coordinate system, vertical reference, antenna offsets and sonar mounting geometry are defined. Sound-speed profiles, time synchronisation and angular alignment are checked during trial lines. Sonar observations are assessed alongside position and motion data, with overlapping lines and cross lines used to check consistency.
Deliverables can include a bathymetric surface, sections, a seabed model for volume calculations or structure inspection data, depending on the application. Acoustic resolution alone does not represent final georeferenced survey accuracy. Water depth, seabed material, vessel motion and selected software options are considered together when specifying the system.
Technical specifications
| Frequency | 100 kHz nominal; 70–240 kHz |
|---|---|
| Acoustic depth range | 0.2–1,200 m; subject to the manufacturer’s operating conditions |
| Swath sector | 5–210° |
| Beam count | 256 / 512 / 1024; 2048 option |
| Beam width | 2° × 2° @ 100 kHz; 1° × 1° @ 200 kHz |
| Range resolution | <20 mm; 40 kHz bandwidth |
| Stabilisation | Roll and pitch; yaw option |
| Housing depth rating | 50 m |
| Ping rate | Up to 60 Hz |
| Total power | Typical <95 W |
Specifications follow the original manufacturer brochure PS-220001-5. Acoustic range is distinct from housing depth rating. Options and operating conditions affect achievable performance.
The technical reference for this model is the existing original brochure revision. Current hardware options and availability should be confirmed for the project.