SALEM, New Hampshire — May 13, 2026 : Klein Marine Systems has unveiled the MANTIS UUV, a new side scan sonar system specifically developed for autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) platforms, as defense, commercial, and scientific operators continue expanding the use of autonomous maritime systems for long-duration underwater missions.
The newly introduced system is designed to provide consistent, high-resolution sonar imagery across varying survey ranges and operational speeds while reducing payload demands on compact autonomous platforms. The announcement comes amid growing demand for underwater systems capable of operating with reduced crew requirements and increased onboard processing capability.
SmartArray Technology and Compact Integration
At the center of the MANTIS UUV is Klein’s proprietary SmartArray Technology, which integrates critical sonar electronics directly into the transducer array rather than separating them into dedicated payload compartments. The approach differs from conventional sonar architectures commonly used on underwater survey systems.
According to the company, this configuration reduces the overall system footprint while lowering size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements — a key consideration for UUV manufacturers and operators working with limited payload capacity. The design also preserves internal vehicle space for additional sensors, batteries, or mission-specific equipment while simplifying installation and integration planning.
Ted Curley, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Klein Marine Systems, stated that the system was developed to combine advanced imaging performance with onboard processing and practical integration for future autonomous underwater operations.
Sonar Performance and Technical Specifications
The MANTIS UUV employs multi-channel side scan sonar technology and is engineered to maintain operational effectiveness at vehicle speeds between 6 and 8 knots across all survey ranges. Klein stated that the motion-tolerant design helps mitigate image degradation caused by underwater vehicle movement and dynamic operating conditions.
The baseline sonar configuration operates at 600 kHz, while additional 720 kHz and 850 kHz frequency options are available to support different mission profiles and imaging requirements.
The system provides swath coverage of up to 150 meters per side, enabling a total coverage width of 300 meters during survey operations. Resolution specifications include 1.0 cm across-track resolution and 10 cm along-track resolution at ranges up to 50 meters.
Advanced signal processing capabilities integrated into the system include:
- Dynamic focusing
- Multiple-look processing
- Adaptive beamforming
These processing techniques are intended to improve image consistency, target identification, and sonar clarity during autonomous underwater operations.
Real-Time Data Processing and Ethernet-Based Architecture
The MANTIS UUV incorporates onboard real-time data processing capabilities, allowing sonar information to be analyzed during active missions rather than relying entirely on post-mission review. Klein stated that this capability supports autonomous decision-making workflows and provides a foundation for machine learning and AI-assisted underwater analysis applications.
The system uses an Ethernet-centric architecture for control and data interfaces, which the company says reduces integration complexity for modern autonomous underwater platforms. The sonar is also fully compatible with the company’s SonarPro NXT software platform, enabling mission playback, detailed data review, and post-survey analysis.
Operational Applications
Klein Marine Systems identified several operational roles for the MANTIS UUV across defense, commercial, and scientific sectors. These include:
- Route survey operations for mine countermeasures (MCM)
- Search and recovery (SAR) missions
- Hydrographic and geophysical surveys
- Offshore infrastructure inspection
- Environmental habitat mapping and seafloor monitoring
The company stated that the system is intended for missions requiring both high-speed survey capability and high-resolution underwater imaging performance.
Expanding Autonomous Underwater Systems Market
The MANTIS UUV enters a growing market for autonomous underwater technologies as naval forces, offshore operators, and research organizations increasingly invest in autonomous maritime systems for persistent underwater operations.
Based in Salem, New Hampshire, Klein Marine Systems supplies sonar systems to military, commercial, and scientific users in more than 80 countries. The company’s product portfolio supports applications ranging from naval mine countermeasures and subsea infrastructure inspection to hydrographic surveying and seafloor mapping.
——— End of Article ———
