Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS)

A proving ground for subsea innovation
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) equipment: installing an underwater acoustic communications and navigation array
 
Led by the University of Plymouth, working in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and City College Plymouth, the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project will deliver a subsea testing environment in the heart of the South West.
Extending the existing infrastructure of Smart Sound Plymouth, the SSCS project is installing an underwater acoustic communications and navigation array that will enable real-time positioning and telemetry for trialling innovative technologies. Instrumented seabed nodes will also provide real-time monitoring of critical oceanographic factors (currents, waves) to provide a fully-calibrated subsea testing environment.
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) logo
Using novel equipment supplied by our delivery partners, Sonardyne International Ltd, the array is rapidly deployable in a variety of configurations to suit trials requirements. The array of positioning and communications nodes will be capable of providing 2-way telemetry and real-time navigation (to 1m accuracy) across an area of up to 9 square kilometres or a linear transect of up to 10 kilometres, with communications relayed to shore via the L4 autonomous buoy or uncrewed surface vessel.
SSCS brings together the world-leading expertise of the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the deployment and operation of novel marine technologies to deliver real-world intelligence in the coastal environment. Working together with City College Plymouth, SSCS will also deliver a marine technology 'skills escalator' to ensure that the future workforce is equipped with industry-relevant skills and experience.
Researchers on a vessel with testing equipment for Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) equipment
 
 

Work with us

We are seeking additional R&D partners to collaborate with us in trialling the SSCS testing environment. Whether your interest is in testing new subsea vehicle operations, underwater data telemetry or any other use of the novel infrastructure, please contact Alex Whatley , SSCS Project Manager, to discuss how your organisation can join us in this pioneering marine technology project.

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