Overview

AvTrak 6 is an acoustic navigation and communications instrument designed to form part of an integrated AUV navigation system. It combines the functions of transponder, transceiver and telemetry link in one low power unit that has been designed to meet the requirements of a wide variety of AUV mission scenarios and vehicle types.

The unit operates in Sonardyne’s Wideband® 2 or HPR 400 Series tone modes with a variety of other acoustic systems and transponders. It is also fully compatible with Sonardyne’s family of survey quality LBL and USBL navigation systems.

AvTrak has a comprehensive yet easy to use command language that allows the AUV to undertake simultaneous LBL ranging, USBL tracking via a surface vessel and robust telemetry for AUV to vessel and AUV to AUV communications.

This capability can be used to provide absolute position reference data to periodically update the AUV’s inertial navigation system.

The instrument is available in a variety of configurations including depth ratings to 7,000 metres and a screened chassis option for mounting within the AUV’s own pressure vessel. The Type 8220 is an omni-directional unit with integral or remote transducer options. This flexible configuration is intended both to assist the AUV manufacturer with mounting of the instrument within the AUV and to ensure the highest levels of acoustic performance. A directional transducer version of AvTrak 6 is also available.

An internal ‘Watchdog’ feature monitors AUV comms activity and can switch the unit into transponder mode for emergency relocation. This feature is supported by an internal back up battery that provides power should the main AUV power fail. A number of acoustically controlled digital I/O lines are also provided for mission abort and emergency ballast jettison control.

Key Features

Incorporates Sonardyne's new Wideband 2 Sonardyne Wideband
Technology provides the highest accuracy and therefore the lowest risk for all subsea acoustic positioning tasks, regardless of water depth. acoustic navigation and telemetry technology

Compatible with Ranger USBL for surface vessel combined positioning and telemetry (transponder mode)

Support AUV to AUV ranging and telemetry (transceiver mode)

Emergency relocation mode

Custom I/O e.g. for mission abort and ballast jettison

Depth and temperature sensors

Extremely low power consumption

Internal back-up battery with external trickle charge

Configurable as a surface vessel unit for AUV ranging and telemetry

Technical Specifications