Solstice MAS: Wavefront’s Drive for Innovation in Underwater Autonomy

At our technology partners’ Wavefront Systems, innovation isn’t just a guiding principle—it’s the foundation of everything they do. Their Solstice Multi Aperture Sonar (MAS) exemplifies this ethos, redefining underwater autonomy by enabling maritime operators to execute missions with enhanced precision, safety, and efficiency.

Solstice MAS represents a significant advancement in sonar technology, achieving a balance between traditional side-scan sonar and synthetic aperture systems. Designed specifically for deployment on smaller autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), it delivers high-resolution imaging akin to synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) while maintaining the durability and simplicity required for real-world operations. Its flexibility makes it suitable for critical missions such as mine hunting, hydrography, salvage, search-and-rescue (SAR), and unexploded ordnance (UXO) removal.

“Solstice strikes the perfect balance between cutting-edge performance and practical deployment,” explained James Spinks, Technical Sales Manager (Asia Pacific) at Forcys. “It’s a system that delivers exceptional imaging while remaining robust and reliable for diverse maritime operations.”

Wavefront has designed Solstice to thrive in varied underwater environments. The system operates effectively at shallow depths of just 8 meters and extends its reach to depths of up to 600 meters. This capability unlocks new possibilities for smaller platforms, equipping them with sonar functionalities that were previously out of reach.

A notable deployment occurred in late 2023 when Wavefront collaborated with Voyis and L3Harris to outfit the Iver4 900 platform with a combined AUV payload. This integrated solution, delivered to a NATO Navy, was engineered to detect, classify, and identify mine-like objects, eliminating the need for personnel to enter dangerous zones.

“By combining Solstice’s detection and classification capabilities with Voyis’ laser scanner and camera, the payload ensures critical identification tasks are conducted remotely,” said Spinks. This advancement is a major step toward safer and more scalable maritime operations.

With features like real-time array calibration and multipath suppression, Solstice ensures consistent image clarity even in challenging seabed conditions. Additionally, its alignment with Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) trends positions it as a ready-to-use solution for fast mission planning, real-time data processing, and reduced logistical complexities.

Far more than just a sonar system, Solstice MAS embodies Wavefront’s and Forcys’ commitment to driving innovation in underwater autonomy. By equipping defence forces and commercial operators with adaptable and reliable tools, it is setting new standards in the evolving landscape of modern maritime operations.