New Zealand based manufacturer of Multi-beam technology WASSP Ltd has recently delivered three rapid-deploy WASSP Wireless systems to the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) identified that the Obstacle Avoidance Sonar (OAS) that was fitted to the RNZN Multi Role Vessel Canterbury was outdated and needed replacing.
Studies by the MoD had indicated that obstacle avoidance capability for both floating and fixed obstacles
A review of the concept of operation provided an alternative solution that more clearly reflected the practical requirement for obstacle avoidance and safe ship navigation in particular scenarios.
The MoD selected the Obstacle Avoidance requirement for the Protector fleet be provided using Rigid Hull Inflatable (RHIB) mounted multi-beam sonar technology.
In order to meet the capability need, WASSP Ltd, a ENL Group company, offered three semi-self-contained rapid-deploy multi-beam systems based around their new DRX platform. Combined with wireless link technology, it allows RHIB’s to be deployed from larger surface vessels to map seafloor topography and assimilate sub-surface data and provide a rapid area assessment that is wirelessly transmitted back to the “mothership” in a real-time 3D animation. The result is delivery of real-time underwater situational awareness to the ships bridge and its decision makers.
“We are immensely proud that our WASSP systems will be employed to provide the Royal New Zealand Navy Protector fleet an increased level of awareness in their operations domestically and abroad, with technology developed locally and now utilised in over 40 countries in various operational uses”, says Gareth Hodson, CEO ENL Group.
“The rapid deployable Wireless WASSP systems are just a part of the product portfolio WASSP Ltd is developing to meet customer requirements, we also have many high end superyachts utilising similar wireless systems we manufacture to explore poorly charted areas, as well as fixed mount systems for work boats and fisheries” says Hodson.
1. Pre operational checks on RHIB
2. Underwater imagery provided by WASSP System
3. WASSP DRX Hardware