ARLINGTON, Va., 27 July 2012. U.S. Navy researchers are looking to 3D imaging sonar experts at BlueView Technologies Inc. in Seattle to develop a low-power 450 Khz interferometric forward-looking sonar (FLS) system for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Officials of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in Arlington, Va., awarded BlueView a $1.5 million contract this month to develop the 450 Khz interferometric FLS.

BlueView, founded in 2005, develops new technologies in high-resolution underwater acoustic imaging and measurement, including mission-critical instruments for underwater navigation, monitoring, survey, and detection.

The company, which is in process of being acquired by Teledyne RD Instruments USA in Poway, Calif., specializes in acoustic underwater vision and measurement systems that enable safe, secure, accurate, and efficient underwater operations, company officials say.

BlueView sensors are installed on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), surface vessels, fixed positions, and portable platforms.

Among the company's products are 2D multibeam imaging sonar systems for ROVs and human divers, as well as for tripod and boat-mounted systems; components for 2D forward looking sensors and 3D microbathymetry sensors; and 3D mechanical scanning sonar.

BlueView underwater acoustic imaging sensors have been installed on the QinetiQ C-Talon submersible crawling robot; the Shark Marine Technologies Navigator diver hand held system; the ECA Robotics ALISTER UUV; the Schilling Robotics UltraHeavy-Duty (UHD) ROV.

For more information contact BlueView Technologies online at www.blueview.com, or the Office of Naval Research at www.onr.navy.mil.

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