Lockheed pics 3-D sensor for AUV

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LAKELAND, Fla., June 27 (UPI) -- A new fleet of autonomous subsea inspection vehicles by Lockheed Martin will feature 3-D imaging sonar by a Florida company.

The sonar, called Echoscope, was developed by Coda Octopus Group Inc.

"We look forward to providing oil and gas operating companies with real-time 3-D modeling capability using Echoscope onboard the Marlin," said Coda Octopus President of Technology Blair Cunningham.

"We supplied more than four Echoscopes under this program and are very pleased with the results of pre-production models and trials."

Echoscope, for subsea inspection operations, enable increased productivity and provide enhanced data density.

Coda Octopus said Lockheed selected the sensor because of its ability to provide real-time point cloud images of underwater environments.

Lockheed Martin's Marlin Autonomous Underwater Vehicle is in the final development testing phase. It is expected to be marketed beginning this year.