New EM2042 Multibeam Variants Target Subsea & Naval Missions

Kongsberg Discovery has expanded its multibeam echosounder range with the introduction of two new EM2042 variants, bringing high-performance seabed mapping to surface vessels, deepwater platforms, and naval operations.

The new EM2042 DR600 and EM2042 BNS build on the proven EM2042 platform, retaining its next-generation acoustic architecture while addressing two distinct operational needs: deep-rated subsea vehicles, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Remotely Operated Towed Vehicles (ROTVs) and submarines, and demanding naval environments.

Both systems will be showcased at Oceanology International 2026 in London, where visitors will be able to experience both new EM2042 models firsthand and speak with Kongsberg Discovery specialists about integration options, applications, and future developments across defence, energy, and ocean science.

Data Deep Dive: EM2042 DR600

The EM2042 DR600 delivers the same market-leading performance as the standard EM 2042 but is specifically engineered for underwater vehicles and deep-rated unmanned platforms. With a 600 m depth rating, enabled by a pressure-resistant titanium housing and subsea-qualified electronics, the system provides ultra-high-resolution seabed mapping in a lightweight, energy-efficient package optimized for subsea vehicles with limited power budgets.

Its vehicle-agnostic design and single-cable connectivity enable simple, flexible integration across a wide range of platforms. A unique dual-RX, single-TX configuration delivers up to 220° swath coverage on subsea vehicles, maximizing survey efficiency.

Additional key capabilities include multi-transmitter/multisector technology with full 4D motion compensation, ensuring precise mapping even on maneuvering vehicles. The system is also QuadSwath-ready, enabling increased coverage and faster survey operations.

Jose Cordero, Product Manager at Kongsberg Discovery, commented, “EM2042 DR600 brings world-class depth-rated performance in a vehicle-agnostic package suitable for a wide range of applications. It gives operators a new ability to dive deeper—particularly with autonomous assets—and achieve ultra-high-resolution mapping results with the speed and precision they can trust. This is an exciting development the market has been calling for.”

Built Tough: EM2042 BNS

Complementing the DR600 is the EM2042 BNS, a naval-optimised multibeam solution designed to enhance underwater domain awareness, support critical infrastructure protection, enable rapid environmental assessments, and address a wide range of defence applications.

Engineered for harsh operational environments with military-grade robustness, the BNS variant combines high-resolution bathymetry with co-registered backscatter, enabling accurate seabed modelling, change detection, and water-column target tracking. Its wideband frequency coverage (150–700 kHz) and advanced motion stabilisation ensure precise mapping even on fast-moving or unstable platforms.

A single-cable architecture simplifies installation and reduces topside complexity, an advantage for submarine and other naval integrations.

The result is a lightweight, agile and capable system that supports faster operations, improved mission efficiency, and confident decision-making when it matters most.

Cordero added, “EM2042 BNS sets a new standard for naval seabed mapping and navigation. It pairs unmatched acoustic performance with the robustness and stability required for demanding defence environments, giving users the confidence to meet operational demands—from wide-area awareness to high-resolution inspection.”

Customer at the Core

Both the EM2042 DR600 and EM2042 BNS reflect Kongsberg Discovery’s commitment to continuously evolving its portfolio to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and unpredictable operational environment.

Cordero concludes, “Everything we do is driven by our ambition to enable customer success. These new EM2042 variants demonstrate how we listen to the market and respond with practical, high-performance solutions, whether that’s enabling autonomous operations at depth or enhancing situational awareness for naval platforms. Our mission is to keep pushing what’s possible underwater, helping users work smarter, safer, and with greater confidence.”