A 4 day set of trials took place in June at Portland Port in Dorset. The purpose was to test how different sensor systems together could detect underwater and aerial security threats. The trial was organised by Wavefront Systems, MARSS, and Forcys, and simulated intrusion attempts using divers and drones.
The main systems under review were Wavefront’s Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar and MARSS’ NiDAR platform. Sentinel is used to track underwater movement, while NiDAR pulls together data from different sensors, including sonar, radar, radio frequencies and infrared cameras. The aim was to show how the systems could work together to track threats more clearly.
Each day ended with a staged breach using divers and drones to test the combined systems in real time. Data was sent through NiDAR, and attendees from defence, government and maritime security watched how the system responded to the simulated threats.
Wavefront also presented a new version of its sonar unit mounted on a trailer. This version is designed to be portable and used in temporary port areas.
The trials were supported by Forcys, which helps technology suppliers and end users work together. Attendees were shown how the different systems could connect to form one information feed.
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What Else Has Been Tested, To Deal With Underwater Sabotage?
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has developed a robot that can remove or disarm underwater threats. The machine is a modified version of a commercially available remotely operated vehicle. It has tools, sensors and cameras to help detect and deal with items like unexploded mines or devices placed near undersea cables.
The robot can place explosive charges to safely disable threats, and because it is operated remotely, it avoids the need to send divers underwater. This reduces risk and allows work to take place at greater depths and for longer periods.
Dstl explosives engineer John described the system as a way to manage underwater risks while keeping people out of harm’s way. The robot sends live video and sonar images back to operators, who can make decisions from a distance.
The robot does not need to be destroyed after each mission. This makes it suitable for repeat use and reduces costs. Dstl works alongside Royal Navy personnel to test and develop the technology further.
Where Have These Systems Been Tested?
Trials for the underwater robot have been held at Horsea Island in Portsmouth, Portland Harbour, South Wales, and Norway. These tests looked at how the system performs in different underwater environments.
The Royal Navy funded the project. Industry partners involved in development and testing include Alford Technologies, ECS Special Projects, Sonardyne and Atlantas Marine. These companies have helped adapt and supply the tools used in the robot.
The robot can be launched from ships or directly from the shore. It is controlled remotely and sends back real-time data to the team operating it.
These projects are also linked to the use of technology in maritime security. They have led to testing of tools that gather data from different sources and send that information back in one view, so it can be assessed more easily during an incident.
