Drone Bathymetry – New Speed-Fin System

Drone Bathymetry – New Speed-Fin System

Drone bathymetry just got quicker… now survey at 1.5 m/second! It’s official… the long-awaited fin stability system from SPH Engineering is now available from JBUAS. Whether you’re buying a new Echo or require an upgrade of your existing system, get in touch to get your hands on this new setup.

The Past

Previously, we conducted bathymetric surveys at around 0.8 m/sec. While this speed worked well for smaller ponds and inland water bodies, larger survey areas often made drone deployment less cost-effective.

It’s true to say that deploying a drone takes far less time than getting an SUV in the water – generally speaking. The main limitation was speed, as outside of Grasshopper Mode (G Mode), the USV consistently outperformed the drone echo on survey speed. Find out more about how drone bathymetry and the available options here: Drone Bathymetry.

Grasshopper (G) Mode

The G Mode enables drone pilots to pick many points in a water body to drop the echosounder precisely ‘on a dime’ to take a reading. For example, where reeds or debris are present, G Mode enables operators to collect data between and around these features. This proves invaluable as USVs struggle to get between reeds or over into some water areas. When deploying G Mode, operators do not require the fin stability system and remove it before use.

Get in touch to find out more about G Mode: info@jbuas.co.uk

Fin Stability System

The new fin system allows operators to deploy any compatible echo by drone at a drag speed of 1.5 m/second. This is more than a leisurely stroll and unlocks many ‘out of reach’ projects for drone deployment.

Get in Touch

If you would like to learn more about a demo or trial of a system, get in touch. JBUAS are happy to provide demonstrations or even small trials to prove capability. Email us at info@jbuas.co.uk.