Home | Mini UAC Series | MiniUAC-1503
MiniUAC-1503 Omni-directional Sonar
Dual-Frequency Multibeam Omnidirectional Sonar
(1.2 MHz / 1.8 MHz)
The MiniUAC-1503 is a highly versatile imaging sonar designed for a wide range of underwater applications. Featuring a dual-frequency configuration of 1.2 MHz / 1.8 MHz and a 360° omnidirectional field of view, it is particularly well suited for short-range, full-aspect target observation and tracking, including fish school monitoring, small underwater target detection, and seafloor terrain surveying.
An optional narrow horizontal beamwidth configuration is specifically optimized for underwater robotic SLAM applications. The MiniUAC-1503 can generate full-surrounding underwater scene images within 0.02 seconds, enabling real-time environmental mapping and localization for AUVs, ROVs, and other underwater robotic platforms.
Overview
MiniUAC-1503 Imaging Sonar
Key Features:
- 360° Omnidirectional Multibeam Imaging Sonar
Full-surround acoustic imaging for simultaneous all-direction target detection. -
Dual-Frequency High-Resolution Operation
Software-switchable 1.2 MHz / 1.8 MHz for optimal balance of range and detail. -
High Frame Rate Real-Time Imaging
Up to 30–50 fps for dynamic environments and fast-moving platforms. -
SLAM-Ready Omnidirectional Perception
Full-scene imaging in 0.02 s, ideal for AUV/ROV SLAM and real-time mapping. -
Compact, Low Power & Easy Integration
Optimized for AUVs, ROVs, USVs, and compact underwater robots.
Product Description
MiniUAC-1503A Omnidirectional Multibeam Sonar is a versatile multibeam imaging sonar capable of 360° omnidirectional acoustic imaging.
This sonar can operate as an omnidirectional imaging sonar for detecting underwater and water-column targets, fundamentally redefining the traditional use model of forward-looking sonars. During underwater target search, the platform can detect surrounding objects without maneuvering or turning. For moving target monitoring, the system supports frame rates exceeding 30 fps, enabling simultaneous detection in all directions and significantly improving overall detection efficiency.
The MiniUAC-1503A offers dual-frequency options (low and high frequency).
The low-frequency mode provides a longer detection range, with a larger vertical beamwidth and moderately lower resolution, making it well suited for SLAM, target detection, and situational awareness.
The high-frequency mode features a narrower vertical beamwidth and higher imaging resolution, with a shorter detection range, and is recommended for short-range, high-precision imaging applications.
In addition to omnidirectional imaging, the sonar head integrates a forward-looking collision-avoidance sensor, capable of measuring the distance to frontal obstacles, enabling collision avoidance and ranging functions.
The MiniUAC-1503A also provides a dedicated pipeline inspection configuration. In this mode, the sonar features an approximately 2° vertical beamwidth, allowing it to function as an omnidirectional multibeam echosounder for high-speed sectional scanning. By leveraging platform motion, the system can reconstruct three-dimensional spatial models. Typical applications include pipeline inspection, tank inspection, and SLAM.
Compared with conventional mechanically scanned pipeline sonars, the pipeline configuration achieves frame rates up to 50 fps, with no trade-off between resolution and acquisition time. This enables high-speed, high-precision operation of pipeline inspection robots, delivering detection efficiencies hundreds of times higher than mechanical scanning sonars. In SLAM applications, AUVs/ROVs can construct full-surrounding environmental maps within tens of milliseconds, rather than several seconds or even tens of seconds, greatly enhancing real-time situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Specifications
Collision Avoidance / Ranging Sonar Specifications
Applications
- UUV / ROV / USV Integration:
Compact size and low power consumption make these sonars ideal for unmanned underwater vehicles and small surface vessels for exploration and monitoring. -
Obstacle Detection & Collision Avoidance:
Provides omnidirectional acoustic vision around the platform, enabling safe navigation in complex underwater environments. -
Target Detection & Identification:
Suitable for detecting underwater objects, debris, or small targets in both clear and turbid waters. -
Pipeline & Infrastructure Inspection:
MiniUAC-1007’s narrow vertical beam and 3D reconstruction capabilities support pipeline profiling, inspection, and cross-section analysis. -
Scene Imaging & Surveying:
Wide vertical beamwidth of MiniUAC-1006 allows panoramic imaging for underwater site surveys, habitat mapping, and research purposes.
Imaging Example
AUV Communication & Navigation Kit
Compact Navigator & Underwater Acoustic Modem
Designed for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), the AUV Communication & Navigation Kit delivers high-precision navigation and reliable underwater communication in a unified solution.
- NAVS-3000 Compact Navigator — Provides INS-based positioning, DVL velocity measurements, and depth data for precise real-time navigation.
-
UAC-08160X-OEM Underwater Acoustic Modem — Ensures stable, long-range underwater communication across multiple frequency bands.