Above: Sonardyne Solstice side-scan sonar fitted to Saab Seaeye's Double Eagle SAROV will be used to support DALO's Mine Counter Measure missions.

The Solstice side-scan sonar will be fitted to Saab Seaeye’s Double Eagle SAROV and used to search for and classify mine-like objects on the seabed.

 
Denmark’s naval forces are internationally recognised for their expertise in the detection, classification, identification and disposal of mines and ammunition at sea. They conduct both domestic and international operations as part of NATO, and have at their disposal specialised ships, containerised command and control facilities, diving equipment, autonomous surface craft and unmanned underwater vehicles.
 
Designed for use on a variety of underwater platforms, Solstice is a low-power, compact side-scan sonar that uses full dynamic focus and multi-ping integration techniques to gather high fidelity imagery of the sea floor beneath it, fully corrected for vehicle motion. 
 
Saab Seaeye’s Double Eagle SAROV enables autonomous mine reconnaissance missions over vast areas to be conducted. Using Solstice, operators will now be able to view high definition side-scan imagery and bathymetry in real-time without the need for time-consuming, post-mission data analysis. If a contact is identified, the vehicle is able to deliver a disposal charge before moving away to a safe distance to allow the mine to be destroyed
 
Speaking of the contract, Ross Gooding, Business Development Manager, at Sonardyne said: “We are delighted that DALO has selected Solstice to support Danish MCM operations. During evaluation trials led by Saab, we were able to demonstrate how its proprietary technologies are able to increase the operational envelope of underwater vehicles by providing wide swath coverage, long endurance and very high resolution imagery.” He added, “We now look forward to supporting DALO during the installation and commissioning phase of project.”