The Synthetic Aperture Mapping Sonar SAMS150 onboard UlyX AUV 6000m : An advanced solution for simultaneous detection and identification of deep-sea features

The use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) equipped with sonars has become increasingly important in oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. Synthetic Aperture Sonars (SAS) have gained particular attention due to their ability to provide high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of the seafloor. However, the integration of SAS onto AUVs is still a significant technical challenge, as it requires the development of high reliability and robust systems. In this study, we present the technical details on the integration of an Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAMS-150) developed at Exail, on a new deep sea AUV "UlyX" developed by the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer),as well as the results of a series of test missions conducted in real-world environments.