NORBIT WBMS Forward-Looking Sonar

Compact, wide-coverage sonar for real-time underwater imaging

The NORBIT WBMS Forward-Looking Sonar (FLS) series provides high-performance, real-time underwater imaging in a compact system. Designed for mobile and stationary maritime platforms, it combines wideband multibeam technology with a curved receiver array to reveal fine underwater details at long range.

Available in Compact and Wide versions, the WBMS FLS can be configured for crewed vessels, UUVs, USVs, subsea vehicles and fixed monitoring installations. Depth-rating options from 900 to 6,000 metres support projects in both shallow and deep water.

Real-time situational awareness

The WBMS FLS provides fast image updates for operators and autonomous processing systems. Its high range resolution of less than 10 millimetres helps distinguish underwater objects and structural details.

User-adjustable coverage allows survey teams to balance field of view, resolution and data rate according to the mission. Acoustic Zoom provides enhanced detail when operators need to examine a specific target or area more closely.

Navigation and obstacle avoidance

The system is suitable for navigation assistance, obstacle detection, terrain avoidance and situational awareness. When combined with NORBIT GUARDPOINT software, it can support real-time target detection and tracking.

A vertical mounting configuration can provide terrain- and obstacle-avoidance capabilities for subsea vehicles operating close to the seabed or underwater structures.

Compact system integration

The WBMS FLS provides a straightforward interface for human operators and autonomous vehicle computers. A single cable carries Ethernet data, power, timing signals and triggers, reducing the space required for mechanical installation and cabling.

Low power consumption makes the system suitable for battery-powered vehicles, while support for dual-head operation allows two sonar heads to be managed through one user interface.

Compact and Wide models

WBMS FLS Compact

The Compact model combines the transducer and curved receiver array in one fully integrated unit. Its small footprint and portable design make it particularly suitable for subsea vehicles and applications where installation space is limited.

WBMS FLS Wide

The Wide model adds a separate transducer mounted to the sonar housing. This expands acoustic coverage to a maximum of 180° while retaining a compact format suitable for a wide variety of platforms.

Key features

• Real-time forward-looking sonar imaging
• Wideband curved-array multibeam technology
• Range resolution of less than 10 mm
• Fast image-update rate
• Acoustic Zoom for detailed target inspection
• User-adjustable coverage
• Single interface for Ethernet, power, timing and triggers
• Low power consumption
• Dual-head operation through one user interface
• Compact mechanical and cabling footprint
• Compatible with crewed and uncrewed platforms
• Supplied in a compact flight case

Standard kit

• WBMS FLS sonar
• Survey Interface Unit
• Interface cable
• Pigtail cable
• Mounting hardware and accessories
• Compact transport case

Available options

• Wide version with coverage of up to 180°
• Depth ratings from 900 to 6,000 metres
• Custom cable lengths
• Pressure-test certification to 6,000 metres
• ClearSignal antifouling system
• Terrain- and obstacle-avoidance mode with vertical installation
• On-site or webinar-based operator training

Applications

• Search and recovery
• Navigation assistance
• Dive-team support
• Underwater inspection
• Subsea obstacle avoidance
• Defence and maritime security
• Subsea construction
• Oil and gas leak detection
• Fisheries and biological research
• Remote underwater monitoring