Defence

At Tritech, we are an established military partner across the globe. Our suite of sensors have been integrated into military vehicles and applications for over 30 years and we continue to have a strong presence within the defence sector. There are a number of military based applications where our sensors are utilised regularly including mine-counter measures, search and recovery operations and covert diving missions.

Some of the key products which have been utilised in the defence sector include:

Diver Mounted Display (DMD)

In 2020, we launched the Diver Mounted Display (DMD): a system which enables divers to recognise targets, navigate towards them safely, and complete a close inspection, all in zero visibility water. The system uses multibeam imaging sonar technology which is mounted at head height and projects the sonar image in real time into a monocle which covers the diver's non-dominant eye.

Utilising the Gemini range of multibeam imaging sonars allows the user to select the most suitable sonar for the type of operation required. The Micron Gemini provides a basic navigation capability and where a higher degree of resolution is required, the diver can opt for the Gemini 720ik or Gemini 1200ik which both of which provide excellent range, resolution and field of view. These high specification multibeam imaging sonars provide a diver with a high degree of confidence while working in zero visibility conditions and allow searches to be undertaken far more efficiently than when using search patterns alone.

The Diver Mounted Display is available in two configurations: Tethered and Untethered. The tethered system (DMD-T) is intended primarily for surface air dive systems where the supplied tether connects the diver to the surface and control of the sonar is undertaken by the support team.

The untethered system (DMD-U) allows the diver to operate totally independent of a surface connection, with the diver themselves taking control of the sonar operation. This is of particular benefit where a diver wishes to operate in a covert fashion or where there may have hazards that the tether could be snagged.

Multibeam imaging sonar

Our suite of multibeam imaging sonars, including the Micron Gemini and Gemini 1200ik, have been used in multiple military applications over the past 10 years. Most recently, the Micron Gemini has seen popularity in the defence sector as its small form factor, lightweight body and 750m depth rating makes it easy to integrate into vehicles and swimboards alike.

The Micron Gemini offers a 90° horizontal field of view and 50m range as well as 128 beams and an effective angular resolution of 0.7°. This small but powerful sonar continues to grow in popularity amongst the defence market since its launch in 2022 and is expected to continue to gather momentum over the coming years. At Tritech, we strive to continually improve our products based on user feedback.

In 2019, we launched the Gemini 1200ik: a dual frequency version of the Gemini 720ik. This sonar has become extremely popular as the low frequency enables users to locate and navigate toward targets, and the high frequency enables close inspection with high-definition, video-like imagery. The Gemini 1200ik will soon be available with AHRS, reducing the requirement for additional sensors and payload on ROVs and AUVs.

Gemini 720ik ^360⁰

The Gemini 720ik ^360⁰ is a recent development from our talented engineering team and offers a 360° field of view multibeam imaging sonar. This product is ideal for intruder detection within harbours and ports.

We have already completed advanced testing on the Gemini 720ik ^360⁰ which has included the unit being stationed in a large body of water for over a year while it gathers data. The sonar was able to cover a large area of water as it has a 360° field of view covering 120m in all directions.

The software deployed with the sonar uses artificial intelligence in the form of deep learning models based on artificial neural networks. These models are used to detect and classify targets of interest to a higher degree of accuracy than previously possible. The models are trained by using previously acquired data and then used in real-time to detect and track targets. By using deep learning techniques, the improvement in identification accuracy reduces the amount of human supervision necessary making it highly attractive to the defence sector.