Ship Protection System FAQ

The FS-SPS underwater threat detection capability is designed to operate while the vessel is on anchor or at dock. However, should a threat be detected, one option available to FarSounder customers is to immediately make way. Unlike other products, the FS-SPS is not deployed via cables or hydraulic mounts. This means that a speedy departure can be used without risk to the equipment.

While underway, the system can be switched to forward looking sonar mode and used as a navigation sonar using the same hardware.

FarSounder's Ship Protection Systems are capable of automatically detecting, tracking, and classifying diver threats at tactically significant ranges in real-world environments. The maximum detection range stronlgy depends on the environmental conditions where the system is being used including: water depth, underwater bathymetry, and sound speed profile. These parameters can all vary with geographic location and tidal cycles. FarSounder engineers have developed a sophisticated Sonar Performance Prediction tool to model the propagation effects impacted by these environmental parameters. This tool is used to model the performance of our sonars and is validated with in-water tests using both open circuit scuba divers and closed circuit rebreather divers.

Unlike other companies who like to talk about their product's performance in optimal propagation conditions, FarSounder engineers have designed our underwater threat detection capabilities for effective performance even in less than optimal conditions. Our exact perfomance metrics and capabilities are not shared on our web site, since such information is valuable for designing countermeasures and may require export licenses. Please contact us directly to discuss these metrics further.

The FS-SPS includes complete command and control software with an easy to use operator interface. The operator interface includes vector chart capability for threat track overlays. Therefore, direct integration with 3rd party ECDIS systems is not necessary. However, the software is also capable of outputting track informtion to 3rd party ECDIS systems via standard NMEA messages. FarSounder staff are always happy to discuss specific, customized interface options if needed. Please contact FarSounder directly for further details.

Generally, the fairing must be installed while the vessel is in dry dock. However, once the fairing is installed, the Transducer Module can be installed and removed underwater. The back of the Transducer Module has an underwater, wet-matable connector. We recommend keeping the cable plugged and the fairing covered with a plate if the Transducer Module will be removed for an extended period of time.

No, the FS-SPS uses a completely separate signal processing system and includes capabilities not present in FarSounder's navigation products. However, the Transducer Modules used in the FS-SPS are the same units used in the FS-3ER navigation sonar.

No. We operate at similar sound levels and frequencies as dolphins. In fact, the National Marine Fisheries Service sponsored the development of our technology to non-invasively study whales. They have evaluated our FS-3DT product and stated: "NOAA's Ocean Acoustics Program (NMFS Office of Science and Technology), has assessed the technical specifications of the current version of the FarSounder sonar technology and concurs that, based on the sound source level, signal duration, directionality, and operational frequency band, there are no anticipated injurious effects on marine mammals or other marine species from its deployment."

FarSounder's FS-SPS offers numerous advantages over other diver detection products. Three primary differntiators are:

1. FS-SPS uses fixed installation transducers, negating the need to use large hydraulic mounts and allowing for fast departures.
2. The software  for the FS-SPS has been developed explicitely for ease of use, making this product suitable for yachts, passenger vessels, and commercial ships who not have navy sonar operators on board.
3. When underway, the same hardware provides forward looking navigation sonar capabilities similar to the FS-3ER.

Ease of use is a major differentiator between FarSounder's underwater threat detection systems and products by other companies. Complete user training is included with every FS-SPS. Included in the cost of each system is on site FarSounder engineering support for customer sea trails. This way, the end user can gain experience using the system with real divers. 

Unlike navy sonars which require specially trained sonar operators, we've designed our systems with ship operators in mind. FarSounder is the only company offering a Ship Protection System with extensive experience in providing easy to use sonar solutions for the yacht and commercial vessel markets.