Acoustic Mine Imaging (AMI) project: An underwater acoustic camera for use in mine warfare

Abstract

This paper is submitted to detail the advances in sonar and imaging techniques and synthetic apertures being made in Australia by Thales Underwater Systems within a Australian Defence Acquisition Project termed Acoustic Mine Imaging (AMI). This paper will detail the development of the AMI underwater acoustic camera for the detection, classification and characterization of mines and other underwater objects in turbid water where optical imaging is ineffective. It will explain the history of the development from a DSTO concept to the current system. It will detail how the acoustic camera provides real-time milimetric resolution three-dimensional images and how the design has had to meet practical operational constraints to allow seamless mounting onto a small, remotely controlled underwater vehicle for mine disposal operations. An overview of the processing architecture and technical complexity of the AMI will be provided, including detail on the design and development of the required submilimeter transducers and 2D matrix array. The paper will reflect on the technical and operational challenges that had to be addressed. Finally, trial results will be presented that will demonstrate the real-time capability of the acoustic camera in various environments.