Germany Navy research institute receives new instrumentation platform

WehrTechnische Dienststelle (WTD 71), the maritime technology research arm of the German Navy, recently took delivery of a MacArtney FOCUS 2 ROTV system.

The instrumentation platform was fitted with a Raytheon ProSAS aperture sonar system for a full scale on-site demo with the purpose of testing SAS sonar technologies for mine detection.

WTD 71 defined a set of requirements for integration of various sensor configurations as a direct result of the demo and the FOCUS 2 has been supplied with MacArtney compact low light cameras, an ORE Trackpoint 3 USBL transponder, a Valeport MiniSVS sound velocity sensor and an Imaginex FL forward looking sonar.

According to MacArtney, the remotely operated towed vehicle has been additionally prepared for installation of the Raytheon ProSAS synthetic aperture sonar, a Reson multibeam sonar and a Kearfott INS navigator.

Finally, a special interface has been developed for integration of a range of WTD 71 developed sensors.

The Nexus based multiplexer telemetry system is an integral part of the standard FOCUS ROTV system and capable of multiplexing and transmitting data to the surface from all of the above sensors in real time, thus enabling the researchers to evaluate the sensor data and performance instantly.

“We consider it a unique opportunity for MacArtney’s engineering team to carry out the very positive and challenging teamwork with WTD 71,” said Torsten Turla, Managing Director of MacArtney Germany.

“Aiming to develop new underwater technologies for the German navy, WTD 71 has stipulated a number of demands that we have done our utmost to meet. The result is most satisfactory to all parties involved and we look forward to continuing our good and productive working relationship with WTD 71,” Turla added.