Description

A winch is a crucial component for side scan sonar operations.  It allows the sonar system to be lowered and raised in a controlled manner, ensuring that the sonar is always at the optimal depth for data acquisition.  A side scan sonar transmits acoustic waves towards the seafloor and captures the echoes that bounce back (return).  As the sonar moves through the water, it often needs to be raised and lowered to maintain an appropriate distance from the seafloor, as well as to avoid obstacles such as shipwrecks, boulders, or other underwater obstructions.  A winch provides the necessary precise control to perform these movements accurately and safely.  This ensures that the sonar can capture high-quality images of the seafloor and any objects of interest.

A winch is beneficial when utilizing other accessories, such as a depressor wing or keel weight, which adds weight and drag to the tow fish.  This makes it very difficult to raise and lower the tow fish by hand.  The winch also has the added benefit of managing the tow cable, so the operator does not have loose tow cable on the deck of the vessel during operations.  Without a winch, side scan sonar operations would be significantly more challenging and prone to errors.

Please contact our Towed Side Scan Sonar Sales Representatives to discuss the best winch solution for your operations.