USBL Solutions

Gaps Series USBL positioning and communication systems are compact, all-in one inertial and USBL solutions. Their unique design provides customers with maximum performance.

The 3D, 4-hydrophone antenna configuration utilizing differing leg lengths means the USBL horizontal tracking capabilities are enhanced and the maximum acoustic aperture widened, offering more than 200° of omnidirectional coverage.

High-accuracy

Thanks to its unique design that combines a high-performance ultra-short baseline (USBL) and motion sensor based on fiber-optic (FOG) or MEMS technology within the same housing, the Gaps Series provides unrivaled subsea positioning accuracy in diverse and challenging environments. The Gaps Series is now available in different versions to meet the operational requirements and deployment constraints of users (*: extended range version subject to export restriction).

Gaps Series embedded gyroscope and 3D omnidirectional acoustic antenna configuration offers the USBL system with an omnidirectional coverage and 200° acoustic aperture. This translates into true horizontal tracking capabilities with no need to tilt the antenna.

Covering the full spectrum of medium frequency applications, from the surface to 4,000m water- depths, Gaps Series is extremely efficient in shallow waters and horizontal tracking conditions, especially when multiple subsea vehicles (ROV, AUV…) must be simultaneously located at 360°.

An increasing number of subsea operations require the simultaneous tracking of several targets and assets. This is the case for Mine Counter Measure (MCM) operations during which fleets of multiple AUV need to be tracked and controlled or for the Renewables and Oil&Gas industries for instance, with operations requiring the simultaneous tracking of ROVs and vessel Dynamic Positioning (DP).

The Gaps Series offer multiple and simultaneous tracking capabilities for up to 40 beacons (both iXblue and third-party), making iXblue’s USBL the perfect fit for all operations requiring highly accurate and reliable tracking and positioning of multiple assets.

The table below presents the iXblue beacons compatible with the Gaps Series. For compatibility with third-party transponders: contact iXblue.

True calibration-free systems

Embedding their own gyro and motion sensor in their housing, the Gaps M5 and Gaps M7 systems do not need to be coupled with external sensors, and do not require any on-the-field calibration. This makes them true calibration free systems that offer precious operational time savings and efficiency on the field.

One single equipment for positioning and communication

Gaps Series can not only be deployed to precisely position subsea vehicles, but it can also be used for communication with the underwater asset. Thanks to its telemetry feature, bidirectional communication between the surface vessel and the underwater vehicle is enabled for tasks such as INS re-alignment, sensor data retrieval, LBL array calibration with iXblue Canopus transponder or AUV command and control.

Third-party friendly for easy integration

Benefiting from an open architecture, the Gaps Series is compatible with both iXblue and third-party transponders for easy integration within existing pool of equipment. Easily interfaced with the most commonly used navigation software, iXblue’s USBL are hassle-free systems that are easy to integrate and use.

Easy to deploy

The Gaps Series are particularly easy to install and operate thanks to their compact size and embedded motion sensors that make them ready to use right away. Quick to deploy, they can be used from over-the-side poles, stingers and confined spaces. Their light weight allows for the USBL to be deployed from very small vessels with a reduced crew onboard or even deployed on instrumented buoys.

Offering unrivaled horizontal tracking capabilities and high-performance from extremely shallow water depths to 4,000 meters, the Gaps Series covers a wide range of applications. The Gaps M5 will be the most suited solution for subsea positioning needs of 1,000m or less, while the Gaps M7 will be best suited for higher survey requirements and deep-water operations. The Gaps M3 will be ideal for vessel permanent installation.

Oil and Gas

• ROV tracking
• AUV tracking
• Glider tracking
• ROTV tracking
• Pipelaying (pre-lay survey, as laid survey…)
• Dynamic positioning
• Subsea structure placement
• Mattress laying
• LBL array calibration
• Out-of-straightness
• Touchdown monitoring
• IMR (Inspection, Maintenance and Repair)
• Seismic (streamer, nod and Ocean Bottom Cables – OBC – positioning)

Renewables

• ROV tracking
• AUV tracking
• ROTV tracking
• UXO survey
• Cable laying
• Dynamic positioning
• Windfarm pre-site survey
• IMR (Inspection, Maintenance and Repair)

Science

• ROV tracking
• AUV tracking
• Glider tracking
• Tow-fish tracking
• ROTV tracking
• Underwater geodesy
• Remote data acquisition
• Seismic events monitoring

Marine civil engineering

• ROV tracking
• Cable laying
• Pipe laying
• Subsea structure placement

Defense

• AUV tracking and command
• Tow-fish tracking
• Diver tracking
• MCM (Mine Counter measures) operations
• Under hull inspection
• Naval base protection

Completing the Gaps Series, iXblue Posidonia is an ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning system dedicated to the highly accurate and ultra–long range tracking of subsea vehicles beyond 10,000 m.

Learn more about Posidonia