Kongsberg Discovery has made a substantial addition to its multibeam echosounder portfolio with the introduction of two new variants: EM2042 DR600 and EM2042 BNS. These systems are designed to cater to diverse applications, including underwater vehicles and naval operations, respectively. By expanding its offerings, Kongsberg Discovery is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for high-resolution seabed mapping capabilities in various industries.
The new EM2042 DR600 variant is engineered specifically for underwater vehicles such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), remotely operated towed vehicles (ROTVs), and submarines. Its depth rating of 600 meters sets it apart from existing systems, thanks to its pressure-resistant titanium housing and subsea-qualified electronics. This allows operators to achieve ultra-high-resolution mapping results with speed and precision they can trust.
The EM2042 DR600 retains the performance of the standard EM2042 while being optimized for subsea vehicles with limited power budgets. Its dual receiver and single transmitter configuration enables up to 220 degrees of swath coverage on subsea platforms, making it an attractive option for a wide range of applications. Additionally, its multi-transmitter and multisector technology, full 4D motion compensation, and QuadSwath-ready capability further enhance its capabilities.
The EM2042 BNS variant is designed for naval applications, supporting underwater domain awareness, infrastructure protection, and rapid environmental assessments. Its built-in high-resolution bathymetry with co-registered backscatter enables seabed modelling, change detection, and water column target tracking. This makes it an ideal solution for harsh conditions, such as those encountered in defense environments.
The EM2042 BNS operates across a wideband frequency range of 150–700 kHz, incorporating advanced motion stabilization to maintain mapping accuracy on fast-moving or unstable platforms. Its single-cable architecture simplifies installation and reduces topside complexity, particularly for submarine and naval integrations. This design choice is likely to appeal to users seeking ease of deployment and maintenance.
The launch of EM2042 DR600 and EM2042 BNS variants marks a significant milestone in the development of high-resolution seabed mapping capabilities. As these systems become more widely adopted, we can expect to see improved operational efficiency, enhanced decision-making, and increased confidence among operators in various industries.
The introduction of these new variants underscores Kongsberg Discovery's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By catering to diverse applications and offering optimized performance for subsea vehicles with limited power budgets, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Jose Cordero, Product Manager at Kongsberg Discovery, noted that EM2042 DR600 brings world-class depth-rated performance in a vehicle-agnostic package suitable for a wide range of applications. This development has been long-awaited by the market, and its release is likely to generate significant interest among operators seeking high-resolution mapping capabilities.
Similarly, Cordero highlighted the significance of EM2042 BNS, stating that it sets a new standard for naval seabed mapping and navigation. Its unmatched acoustic performance paired with robustness and stability make it an attractive solution for demanding defense environments, where users require confidence to meet demands and address challenges.
The launch of EM2042 DR600 and EM2042 BNS variants marks a significant milestone in the development of high-resolution seabed mapping capabilities, with far-reaching implications for both deep-rated subsea vehicles and naval operations.
