16 February 2023
Aero India 2023: DRDO unveils CHITR-M1 acoustic imaging sonar
by Anish Markose & Vishal Sengupta
The CHITRA-M1 is the DRDO's first high-frequency sonar prototype. (Janes/Anish Markose)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO's) Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) has displayed its Compact High Frequency Imaging Technology - Mark 1 (CHITR-M1) sonar system at the Aero India 2023 show in Bangalore, which runs from 13 to 17 February.
According to DRDO officials, the CHITR-M1 is the DRDO's first high-frequency sonar prototype. Development of this system took four years.
CHITR-M1 has a high-centre frequency of 700 kHz and bandwidth of 100 kHz to allow for high-quality imaging. It has a depth rating of 100–300 m.
The system has an axial resolution of 1°, which helps identify distance between objects. The system has a detection range of up to 120 m and consumes just 120 W of power, making it highly efficient. Its update rate is 1 Hz, which ensures fast and real-time imaging.
The CHITR-M1 is also lightweight, with a dry weight of 28 kg and wet weight of just 8 kg, and has a small form factor of 30×30×25 cm. It is rated for depths of 100 to 300 m.
The CHITR-M1 has Ethernet connectivity to establish data and communication links with host computers. Military applications of the CHITR-M1 sonar include autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) navigation, marine detection, ship hull inspection, and harbour security.
Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the
Client Login
Interested in subscribing, see What we do
Share
The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO's) Naval Physical and Oceanographic Labora...
Details