Artist’s illustration of the Fugro RAMMS hydrographic mapping capability, now being used to inform maritime domain awareness for the US Navy.
Houston, Texas, USA, 13 November 2019 – Fugro’s collaboration with Areté to develop the Rapid Airborne Multibeam Mapping System (RAMMS) has resulted in improved maritime domain awareness for the US Navy. The accomplishment, which was showcased last week during a Naval Oceanography event held at Southern Mississippi’s Marine Research Center, demonstrates the value of federal investments in private-sector research, development and commercialisation efforts.
RAMMS is based on Areté’s Pushbroom Imaging Littoral Lidar System (PILLS), an airborne seabed mapping capability developed through a US Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programme. One of the primary yet challenging goals of SBIR programmes is transferring the benefits of federally funded innovations to the private sector. Areté achieved this goal by partnering with Fugro to develop and commercialise RAMMS. As a result, PILLS itself was improved, making it possible to deliver hydrographic mapping of an accuracy and quality that can support numerous data applications, including updated nautical charts.
“We are very pleased to be part of this full-circle technology transfer and successful collaboration between industry and government to the benefit of all parties,“ said Ed Saade, President of Fugro USA. “To see RAMMS’ hydrographic mapping capabilities being incorporated by Areté back into the original PILLS system for the US Navy is extremely gratifying.”
Areté first demonstrated the upgraded PILLS during an Advanced Navy Technology Exercise (ANTX) with the Hydrographic Department at the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in August. The exercises involved mapping areas of the Eastern Gulf Coast and providing in-depth analysis and post-processing training for Department of Defense personnel at the Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise, with participation from NAVOCEANO and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Eric Korpie, PILLS Programme Manager: “Areté is proud to have showcased the PILLS technology at ANTX in partnership with NAVO and USACE, and to have teamed with Fugro to successfully deliver a commercial capability that meets the demanding technical requirements of the hydrographic community.”
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle. Employing approximately 10,000 talented people in 65 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2018, revenue amounted to EUR 1.7 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
About Areté
Areté’s mission is to harness world-class talent to provide superior solutions to national and global challenges. This is achieved through trusted, creative, and responsive sensing solutions. Areté has more than 25 years of design, fabrication, testing and production of sensor systems in consistently growing roles including prime integration. Employing approximately 290 talented people, and growing, across 8 US locations, Areté provides high-end customer service in both the Commercial and Government sectors.
