Teledyne Marine is expanding its SeaBat T-Series sonar portfolio with the introduction of Integrated Dual Head (IDH) capability for the SeaBat T51 multibeam echosounder series.
The new functionality, debuting at Oceanology International (Oi26) stand F100, extends dual-head performance to both the SeaBat T51-S and T51-R platforms. These systems are designed for mapping projects requiring the finest resolution available in the industry. As the only multibeam echosounder featuring an array specifically engineered for 800kHz, the SeaBat T51 allows operators to achieve high-resolution data collection while maintaining a wide swath, removing the traditional efficiency trade-offs associated with high-frequency mapping.
The hardware is offered in two primary configurations to suit different operational environments. The rack-mounted SeaBat T51-R IDH is built for surface vessel installations, while the SeaBat T51-S IDH is optimized for ROV deployment with a depth rating of 6,000 meters. By combining two processors into a single unit, the IDH system reduces overall weight and space requirements while simplifying the installation and operational process for survey teams.
A core feature of the system is the full-rate dual head capability, which allows two sonar heads to operate simultaneously within a single system. This eliminates the need for staggered pinging, enabling vessels to maintain standard survey speeds while significantly increasing along-track data density and coverage.
Pim Kuus, Senior Hydrographer and Product Manager of Instruments & Imaging at Teledyne Marine, commented, “Integrating dual heads into a single processor significantly improves survey performance while reducing system complexity for operators. The full-rate dual head capability increases along-track data resolution, capturing more measurement points throughout the direction of travel and allowing for more detailed seabed mapping. We’re looking forward to showing off the new variant at Oi26.”
The increased mapping efficiency provided by the Integrated Dual Head systems is expected to reduce operational time and costs for subsea and surface survey operations. The system is capable of capturing minute details across the full swath, including small boulders, fine-scaled bathymetry, and specific features on or around pipelines and free spans.
The SeaBat T51 Integrated Dual Head systems are currently available for order, with live demonstrations of the T51-R variant scheduled to take place during the Oi26 event.
