Positioning Systems

VigilArc: Plug-and-Play USBL

Every target below
From anywhere above

VigilArc is a hydroacoustic USBL positioning system that locates any underwater object — ROV, AUV, diver or instrument — from a single over-the-side antenna. Track up to 16 at once: relative location (azimuth, distance, depth) in real time, or full coordinates (lat/long) with a GNSS compass — no seabed gear, no vessel power, set up in minutes.

What it does

  • Relative positioning in real time — azimuth, distance and depth to every tracked object, straight from the antenna
  • Absolute geographic coordinates — add an external GNSS compass (or enter antenna coordinates manually) and the system also returns each object’s latitude and longitude
  • Recorded, exportable data — save waypoints and tracks in the host software, ready for any charting package
  • Tracks up to 16 underwater objects simultaneously — one Array handles a full dive team, ROV fleet, or mixed asset group

Distinctive features

  • Operating range to 3000 m, depth to 1000 m (deep-rated VigilArc Tag)
  • Self-powered VigilArc Deck — deploy from any vessel or pier without connecting to onboard power
  • VigilArc Tag mounts on any object — ROV, AUV, diver, instrument frame — with no data link required
  • Built-in tilt, depth and temperature sensors
  • Open protocols and GPS-emulation — Qinsy, Hypack, SAS.Planet or your own software
  • Compact, sealed monoblock — VigilArc Array under 0.5 kg
  • OEM antenna and beacon for ROV / AUV integration

Above the surface, GPS has you covered. Below it, the signal dies and the picture goes dark. VigilArc closes that gap. One antenna over the side picks up everything tagged — an ROV, an AUV, an instrument or a diver — each on the operator’s screen the instant it replies, bearing, range and depth. No seabed rig. Nothing drawn from the vessel. One target or sixteen, it works the same — deck or pier. For true coordinates, a GNSS compass adds latitude and longitude to every fix — log, export or feed to your charts. One system. Any platform. Every target accounted for.

System components

VigilArc Array
DF-antenna: a single unit that locates every target. Under 0.5 kg and sealed monoblock, it measures each Tag’s azimuth (to within 1°), distance and depth, with built-in tilt compensation. Connects to the VigilArc Deck.
VigilArc Tag
Responder beacon, one per target. Just 0.3 kg, with a built-in depth sensor; runs standalone on a battery or off its carrier’s power, and mounts on an ROV, AUV, instrument or diver. One Array works with up to 16 Tags. Deep-rated (1000 m) and OEM versions available.
VigilArc Deck
Power-and-interface hub. Powers the Array from its own LiFePO4 battery (no draw on the vessel) and links it to your PC over USB. IP67-rated.
Extended Kit (optional)
A GNSS compass for absolute coordinates, mounting brackets, a field-ready PC, and charting software. For turnkey setup.
Download Full Specifications (PDF)

Key numbers

16objects
3000mOperating range
1000mDepth
1°Bearing accuracy
0.15mSlant-range resolution
0.3kgBeacon weight

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