Revolutionary Seabed Mapping with Kraken's Katfish 180 at SAHA EXPO 2024.

At SAHA EXPO 2024, Kraken Robotics is showcasing its KATFISH 180 system, a cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) towed vehicle designed for seabed mapping and mine countermeasures. The KATFISH 180 provides ultra-high-resolution imagery combined with efficient area coverage, offering valuable capabilities for both defense and commercial applications.
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Kraken's Katfish 180 Synthetic Aperture Sonar. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Key features of the KATFISH include real-time SAS processing, enabling immediate analysis of seabed data, and an autonomous launch and recovery system that allows the vehicle to operate unmanned in challenging sea states. This technology is particularly beneficial for defense operations, including mine detection and environmental assessments, and has garnered interest in the commercial sector for applications like offshore wind and subsea pipeline inspections.

The system's ability to function autonomously while delivering precise 3D bathymetry data is a significant advancement, positioning Kraken Robotics as a leader in subsea intelligence solutions.

Comparison

When comparing the Kraken KATFISH 180 to similar systems in the market, the KATFISH stands out due to its high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) and unique combination of speed, coverage, and real-time data processing.

This actively stabilized towed SAS system delivers unmatched resolution and coverage rates. Operating at up to 10 knots, it provides a constant 3.3 x 3.0 cm resolution across 200 meters per side, with a 4 km²/hour area coverage rate. It excels in mine countermeasures, rapid environmental assessment, and seabed mapping, making it a go-to for both defense and commercial applications such as offshore wind and subsea cable inspections. Its real-time processing capabilities and autonomous launch and recovery system (ALARS) add to its versatility, enabling unmanned operations in up to sea state 5.

Unlike the KATFISH, which is a towed system, REMUS 600 is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that operates at slower speeds. It is often favored for detailed, long-duration missions but doesn't provide the same level of area coverage efficiency in a shorter time frame. While both systems provide excellent data resolution, the KATFISH is optimized for faster, larger-scale mapping.

The Kongsberg HUGIN AUV provides excellent bathymetric and sonar capabilities but is generally more expensive and slower compared to the towed KATFISH system.