MARVEL-MBES, the most compact UUV used for seabed mapping

MARVEL-MBES AUV just make AUV technology accessible. Using MARVEL-MBES is certainly nowadays one of the most simple and cost-effective way to map the seabed.

Equipped with a multibeam echo sounder from Imagenex MARVEL-MBES provide with a great quality of image with high-stability, accurate navigation and capable of managing coastal areas with waves and current.

MARVEL-MBES is equipped with underwater acoustic positioning and communication module.

With an autonomy up to 8 hours, and speed up to 6knots, and depth rated at 300m.

Thanks to the INX navigation, DVL and acoustic positioning, MARVEL-MBES is able to have a navigation accuracy equal to <5m absolute positioning within USBL surface module range.

SEAPLAN software provides an ideal and versatile interface for the MARVEL-MBES AUV and have pre-defined lawn-mover patterns to make a swift mission.

Thanks to its mission programming savings and updates, SEAPLAN facilitates discovery of new area as well as repetitive mission in similar locations.

MARVEL-MBES is provided with all the necessary functions to be ready-to-deploy :

• INX Navigation system
• DVL
• SEAPLAN Software
• Embedded rechargeable batteries
• SEACOMM
• Field case and accessories
• Acoustic positioning and communication module
• Autonomous buoy with USBL unit and dual antenna GNSS-RTK module

Specifications MARVEL-MBES:

• Length: 130 cm
• Diameter: 12 cm
• Weight in air: 11 kg
• Depth rating: 300 m
• Speed: 2 to 6 knots
• Endurance: 6 hours at 2,5 knots

Payload Section:

DVL

• Frequency: 1 MHz
• Max altitude: 50 m
• Max velocity: 2,6 m/s
• Velocity resolution: 0.01 mm/s

Multibeam echosounder

• Frequency: 260 kHz
• Beams: 120, 240, 480
• Range resolution: Screen 0.2% of range
• Output: 0.02% of range
• Frame rate: Up to 40 fps

Acoustic positioning & communication module

• Acoustic range: 1 km radius (horizontal), 1 km (vertical)
• Range Resolution: ±0.1 m
• Velocity of Sound Range: 1300–1700 m·s−1
• Beacon Velocity: Active Doppler compensation, up to 15 kts