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Have you ever opened your eyes underwater without goggles? It’s hard to see, right? Everything is blurry and you can only make an outline of the things in front of you. What about if you opened your eyes underwater at night. That’s even worse!
Submarines face this challenge every time they go out on deployment. The ocean they navigate is unpredictable, has rarely any light beyond 200m, and is absolutely massive. So how do they get around? This is where sonar comes in. But what exactly is it?
In this blog, we’ll answer what sonar is, how it works, and where it will take us in the future.
What Does Sonar Mean and How Does it Work?
Sonar stands for sound, navigation and ranging, and is by far one of the most powerful tools when it comes to underwater navigation, exploration and defence.
To put it simply, sonar is a system that uses sound waves to detect and identify objects in the water. A sonar device sends out a sound wave. If the sound wave finds an object, it will bounce off of it and return to the source. By measuring how long the sound takes to return, the sonar device can work out how far away something might be and what it could be.
Need a real life example? Imagine you throw a ball against a wall. If the ball hits something close to you, it will bounce back much faster than if it hits something far away. Sonar works the same way. But instead of a ball, it throws out a sound wave!
There are two types of Sonar:
Active sonar
This is where a device would send out a noise and listen for the noise to return. This is often used for tracking and measuring distances (and often the one you’ve seen in spy movies!)
Passive sonar
This is where a device would just listen for the sounds around it without making noise. It’s how submarines know exactly where they are without giving away their position.
What can Sonar be Used for?
Sonar can be used for a wide range of different things! The ocean is one of the least explored places on Earth. Visibility is poor, there’s no light, and Google Maps doesn’t work underwater!
Here’s what sonar can be used for:
- Navigation in deep or murky waters
- Detecting submarines, mines and other underwater threats
- Mapping the seafloor or shipwrecks
- Environmental research like tracking marine mammals
How Does ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK Use it?
In today’s world, sonar can be used by naval forces, scientists, researchers and so many other people. Here at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK (AEUK), we make sure people have the best of the best sonar equipment to keep them safe underwater.
Towed Array
We develop high performance sonar systems including towed sonar, a powerful device which is dragged behind a ship or submarine. It allows ships to detect minute or distant threats with greater precision, even in challenging environments like the arctic or deep ocean.
Cerberus
We also create diver detection sonar systems designed to help pick up the sounds of divers underneath the water. With a range of over 1000m, it can be launched off the sides of ships and yachts and makes sure that the vessel stays protected in tight or dangerous harbour.
ARCIMS SeaSense
SeaSense is an active sonar, capable of detecting submerged submarines, mini submarines and even vessels that deploy divers at a sufficient range. Using sonar, it assists navies or local forces protect harbours, prevent drug transportation, and even protect entire coastlines. Attach SeaSense to an special boat capable of driving itself known as ARCIMS? Event better! This reduces human life being at risk.
And that’s just a taste of what sonar can do. There are various ways in which sonar can be utilised globally!
Will it be Used in the Future?
Sonar is developing rapidly, with the focus on becoming smarter, more efficient, more environmentally friendly.
Artificial intelligence is now being used to help sonar devices process sound data faster, making them better at identifying and classifying underwater objects. Additionally, compact sonar modules (like SeaSense and Cerberus) are being used on more autonomous vessels (like ARCIMS) and extending their reach without risking human life.
As concerns about marine life grow, there is a push to make sonar as quiet as possible, while also being as efficient as possible. This means gathering critical information while also reducing the disruption to animals that live underwater such as whales, dolphins and other sea creatures.
Why Does Sonar Matter?
We know more about space than we do our oceans. Tools like towed sonar, deep sonar and sonar submarine systems are helping us expand our knowledge and keeping people safe in the process.
Whether it be defence, discovery or disaster prevention, sonar still remains the leading way we ‘see’ underwater, and it is only going to get better.
Got Your Interest?
Have we caught your attention? Fancy taking a dive yourself into the future of sonar and maritime innovation?
At ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK we are always on the lookout for talented individuals who want to work on cutting edge technologies that make a real-world impact.
If you’re looking for a graduate schemes that lets you achieve professional success through learning opportunities, or an apprentice where you get paid to achieve qualifications that extend your career prospects, we want to hear from you!
