EdgeTech, the leader in high resolution sonar imaging systems and underwater technology, is proud to learn that the company’s AUV-based side scan sonar system played a key role in the recent discovery of the USS Indianapolis wreckage 5,500 meters deep in the Philippine Sea. The sinking of the USS Indianapolis had the greatest loss of life from a single ship in the history of the US Navy.
The EdgeTech 2205 AUV-based sonar system is one of the many advanced underwater technology systems on-board the Research Vessel Petrel which discovered the wreckage recently. The system is integrated into a deep water autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and is used on the AUV to acoustically image large swathes of the seafloor as the AUV swims thousands of meters below the surface. The EdgeTech system is configured as a dual frequency 75 / 230 kHz side scan sonar and bathymetry providing the ability to image over 1,000 meters from each side of the AUV as it conducts its search pattern in deep waters.
EdgeTech takes great pride in providing high quality, and more importantly reliable underwater acoustic imaging systems that are utilized by organizations and individuals such as Paul Allen and the Research Vessel Petrel. EdgeTech’s side scan sonars, bathymetry systems and sub-bottom profilers are used daily throughout the world in modern research and military operations. This discovery highlights the important role the technology can also play in the historical understanding and recognition of past military operations as well.
Image: AUV with EdgeTech Sonar Installed