As part of its military aid, Germany has transferred Sonobot 5 surface drones to Ukraine. They will help sappers to clear water bodies and identify ammunition and other dangerous objects on the bottom.
This is a very important step in international cooperation, especially given that such technology is changing the way hydrographic surveys are conducted and safety on the water is ensured.
The war in Ukraine is the first military conflict in the world in which both sides are using tens of thousands of mostly small drones of various types. Such vehicles are mainly used for reconnaissance, attacking targets with explosive devices or dropping grenades on enemy tanks or trenches. But during the war there is often a need for demining, searching for unexploded ordnance, including in rivers and reservoirs. They can pose a threat not only to navigation, but also to the civilian population. That is why Germany has decided to help us with this problem by providing its ultra-modern Sonobot 5 unmanned surface vehicles.
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Unmanned surface vehicles are the future of technology
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are state-of-the-art technological solutions that are changing the way we conduct water body surveys and address safety issues in open and inland waters. They enable remote monitoring and real-time data collection. This approach opens up new perspectives in monitoring the state of the aquatic environment, identifying potential threats and conducting rescue operations. As well as demining water bodies, detecting ammunition and other dangerous objects on the bottom.
The Sonobot 5 autonomous professional hydroacoustic hydrographic system belongs to this category of unmanned surface vehicles.
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Sonobot 5 – German precision for Ukraine’s security
Sonobot 5, the brainchild of German company EvoLogics GmbH, is a breakthrough in drone technology that epitomizes German precision. It has been in service since 2023. Its versatile capabilities – from 3D seabed mapping, to threat detection, to environmental monitoring – make it indispensable in rescue operations, especially in war-affected areas.
The Sonobot 5 unmanned surface vehicle is a system platform designed for hydrographic surveying, monitoring and search and rescue in inland waters. It performs both classical bathymetry and side-scan echo sounder tracking with the highest accuracy. Sonobot is a very lightweight and flexible modular system that can be adapted to the needs of a specific application.
The measurement system integrated in the autopilot and the special software package allow the Sonobot 5 system to be used very efficiently. The unmanned surface vehicle from EvoLogics GmbH is mainly used for 3D mapping, estimating the volume of water bodies, and determining the presence or displacement of sediment. It can be used to identify objects that pose a threat to the safety of people and infrastructure. During search operations, objects and people can be found quickly: the device enables targeted search operations, reducing the time and effort of rescuers and divers.
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Advantages of Sonobot 5
Sonobot 5 can be used in both offshore and inland waters. Its versatility allows it to be used in different environments and for different tasks. One of the most important advantages of the surface drone is its mapping system. It allows for a three-dimensional analysis of the seabed, which makes it possible to pinpoint the location of potential threats. The drone is equipped with a variety of echo sounders, side-scan echo sounders and a video camera. This allows it to more accurately map the area and collect a wide range of data.
The Sonobot 5 is an advanced device equipped with dual GNSS and INS positioning for accurate navigation and motion control. This equipment is standard on all Norbit echo sounders. In addition, with 256 beams at 1.45°x1°, a range of over 200m and a 50Hz ping rate, the system provides professional IHO S-44 surveillance, making it one of the most advanced instruments in its category.
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Sonobot 5 delivery set
The following system components are included in the default scope of delivery:
- A trimaran, which consists of a main hull, propeller struts and two carbon fiber pontoons with engines
- A control station including a tripod stand, radio control panel and transmitter
- Float tester
- Transportation cases.
The user can use his own laptop or even a tablet as a controlling PC, or order it as part of the delivery set. In the latter case, specialists will prepare the computer and software themselves.
The weight of the complete construction is approximately 27 kg with rather small dimensions – 130.0×92.0×80.5 cm.
Assembly of the unit does not require special tools due to the use of convenient fasteners and screws. Only one person will be sufficient for this purpose.
Operating conditions include operation in winds of 4-5 Bft (10 m/s) or waves up to overturning crests.
It is known that the updated drone can operate within a radius of up to 2.5 km from the operator in radio-controlled mode. It can also independently perform specified missions along an approved route. The maximum speed of Sonobot 5 is 5 km/h, and the operational range is 30 km.
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Sonobot 5 features
It is a convenient solution for working in a wide range of conditions, providing accurate information on depth parameters and acoustic profiles. The design is modular and different elements can be selected according to the task at hand.
The main unit with under-bottom equipment is mounted on two high-strength polymer pontoons with water jet engines installed, providing fast and smooth running in shallow water and surfaces with high levels of debris and algae.
Thanks to the differential or RTK GPS module, the most accurate positioning data of the system on the ground can be obtained. Navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS and Galileo are supported.
A broadband echo sounder designed for maximum depths up to sixty meters is used as a basic meter. This EvoLogics 200 kHz is the standard, with 80 kHz and 400 kHz available.
An optional EvoLogics 700 kHz side-scan sonar with integrated 1 MHz echo sounder can be supplied as an option instead of the standard, providing more accurate data on the topography and objects on the seabed.
By default, the product is remotely controlled (range is two kilometers). For passing through hard-to-reach areas when the device is not in direct line of sight and other similar situations, the housing has a built-in HD camera that transmits the signal to the control device.
The system can be optionally supplemented with an autopilot function with a software mission planner combined with a measurement system.
It is controlled by a control panel with the supplied proprietary software. It is reliably protected against water and dirt thanks to the IP67 dust and water resistant housing. A directional antenna for better signal reception is also available as an option.
The Sonobot 5 itself is made of materials resistant to corrosion from salt water and can even operate in industrial effluents. The compass used can be either a standard or a high-precision version. The unit’s power supply is sufficient for full operation of the engine and the set of installed instruments for ten hours.
The trimaran itself has a data logger with a spacious storage unit. There are two variants: a standard 32 GB and an optional 128 GB solid-state drive (SSD). All data from acoustic sensors, cameras and navigation systems are recorded directly onto it, and transmitted wirelessly on demand by the computer. The software allows you to immediately visualize the sonar signals and convert the data into a map.
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Sonobot 5 characteristics
- height – 80.5 cm
- width – 92 cm
- length – 130 cm
- weight – 27 kg
- operating range – up to 30 km
- speed – 5 m/s
- scanning speed – 1.5 m/s
- battery life – up to 9 hours
How will Sonobot 5 be used in Ukraine?
Ukraine has already received 15 such surface drones. Another 40 are promised to be delivered in the near future.
In the summer of 2023, the Sonobot 5 surface drone was already used by Ukrainian rescuers. They checked water bodies for mines and ammunition in Mykolaiv region. Thanks to sonar were able to detect unusual symmetrical objects on the bottom, which may be river mines. They also found shells, Soviet YARMs and anti-landing mines PDM-1. Before the advent of drones, such a survey was carried out by people on boats, risking being blown up. Searching for dangerous objects has become much more convenient, safer and takes less time.
Sonobot 5 is much more compact than any boat, so the risk of getting caught in a mine or ammunition is minimal.
At the same time, this drone can also be used for another purpose – mapping. For example, it can find the least visible route for underwater kamikaze drones, or convenient places for personnel crossings. In any case, the Sonobot 5 unmanned surface vehicle will be useful for our defenders and rescuers.
Now, under the conditions of tough battles with the occupiers, every precision projectile, every combat vehicle, every air defence system, every cruise missile, every drone is extremely necessary for us, which is why I would like to sincerely thank our Western friends and partners for their help and support. The invaders will never escape from retribution. Glory to Ukraine! Death to our enemies! Glory to the AFU!
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