CHARLESTON, S.C., 16 Feb. 2006. U.S. Navy officials are looking to Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc. in Lynnwood, Wash., to provide specialized sonar systems for mapping the bottom of the world's oceans.
Kongsberg won a $6.7 million contract from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center in Charleston, S.C., Feb. 15 to provide Multibeam Sonar Systems (MBSS) for Pathfinder-class (T-AGS 60) survey ships. The contract number is N65236-06-D-6246.
The MBSS is bathymetric sonar system capable of hydrographic charting in waters ranging in depth from 30 to 36,000 feet in real time with pitch, roll, heave, and azimuth correction.
Pathfinder-class ships, operated by Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), are multi-mission oceanographic vessels with multibeam echo-sounders, towed sonars, and expendable sensors. They gather data that helps to improve technology in undersea warfare and enemy ship detection.
The oceanographic and hydrographic survey ships' MBSS make it possible to continuously chart a broad strip of ocean floor.
The contract to Kongsberg includes four one-year option periods, which if exercised would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $29.5 million. Work will be in Lynnwood, Wash., and should be finished by February 2007. If all options are exercised, work could continue until February 2011.
For more information contact Kongsberg online at www.km.kongsberg.com.
