Below is a heavily edited news release. I have no personal knowledge of the product, so this is not an endorsement, but if it does what is says, it sounds very useful.
In a near shore SAR case, how close can you get in shallow water? After a natural disaster, are there unknown obstructions? Can you leave the channel to avoid a collision or get to a distressed vessel faster?
We have talked about FarSounder before. They make three different models,
- Argos 350, range 350 meters at speeds up to 18 knots, for vessels as small as 14 meters (about 45 feet, e.g. the size of a response boat, medium).
- Argus 500, range 500 meters at speeds up to 20 knots
- Argus 1000, range 1000 meters at speeds up to 25 knots
There is a retractable version of Argus 1000 available for icebreakers.
I have sonar on my car now, so shouldn’t I have it on my boat?
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October 18, 2023
Warwick, RI USA
For immediate release:
NSSLGlobal expands product portfolio with FarSounder’s innovative 3D Forward Looking Sonar
FarSounder and NSSLGlobal have joined forces to introduce FarSounder’s Argos product line to their defense, commercial, and leisure clients. These innovative Forward Looking Sonars (FLS) are used for safe navigation and obstacle avoidance. FarSounder’s technology is renowned in the cruise and leisure markets and is increasingly being adopted in both the Scientific/Exploration and Defence sectors both of which are moving towards Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV).
Vessels are often operating in more challenging environments such as higher latitudes where there may be ice, poorly chartered areas, or austere ports. This unique patented technology paints a clear picture of what lies ahead underwater of the vessel, reducing the likelihood of collisions, which in turn prevents costly damage to property, the environment, and marine and human lives alike.
NSSLGlobal’s customers will benefit from FarSounder’s technology, which is the only product capable of generating a true, 3-dimensional image ahead of a vessel at navigationally significant ranges at each ping of the sonar. FarSounder’s most recent addition is the Argos 350 Forward Looking Sonar system which is the ideal solution for USVs and mid-sized vessels ranging from 18 – 40+ meters.
For more information, visit http://www.farsounder.com
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Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
Got the following news release by e-mail.
DARPA’s NOMARS USV Navigation System Enhanced by Argos 3D FLS
FarSounder is proud to announce that, through Serco, Inc., its Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) is included in the navigation system on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) recently completed No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) demonstration vessel. The project is the development of Defiant—a first-of-its-kind unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to operate autonomously for extended durations at sea without any onboard crew.
As part of this innovative program, FarSounder’s Argos FLS was integrated into the vessel’s navigation suite to enhance situational awareness and support the ship’s real-time obstacle avoidance capabilities. This integration reflects FarSounder’s increasing presence within the autonomous and unmanned sector, providing enhanced navigation for vessels conducting complex missions in challenging marine environments.
Source: Serco North America
The Defiant, a 180-foot, 240-metric-ton vessel, completed construction in early 2025 and is now undergoing in-water and at-sea testing. Its successful deployment marks a significant milestone in autonomous naval operations.
“This program represents a major step forward in the evolution of unmanned maritime systems,” said Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co-Founder of FarSounder. “We’re honored to contribute our technology to an effort that pushes the boundaries of ship design and operational autonomy.”
FarSounder is proud to have its Argos system on this project as they continue to expand their footprint in the unmanned and autonomous vessel sector. With over two decades of expertise in real-time 3D navigation, its forward looking sonar systems are increasingly being selected by defense, commercial, and research initiatives seeking advanced situational awareness below the waterline.
About FarSounder
At FarSounder, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the exploration of the world’s oceans and waterways. We do this by developing innovative products that do more than just help vessels get safely from point A to point B. We make a difference by being environmentally conscious by creating products that reduce the impact on the ecosystem.
For over 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to tackling new ideas and developing 3D Forward Looking Navigation Sonar technology (3D FLS). Our unique patented technology paints a clear picture of what lies ahead underwater and along the bottom, reducing the likelihood of collisions, which in turn prevents costly damage to property, the environment, and marine and human lives alike.
Our navigation systems are globally recognized. The Argos 1000, Argos 500, and Argos 350 are able to provide customers with a whole suite of sophisticated navigation capabilities of interest to many types of vessels. Wherever you decide to go, FarSounder will help get you there safely.
For more information, please visit http://www.farsounder.com.