Kongsberg Discovery expands multibeam echosounder portfolio with two new EM2042 models
Kongsberg Discovery has added two new EM2042 variants to its multibeam echosounder portfolio, extending high-performance seabed mapping capability from surface vessels to deepwater platforms and naval operations
The new EM2042 DR600 and EM2042 BNS build on the EM2042 platform, sharing its next-generation acoustic architecture, while addressing two distinct operational needs: demanding naval environments and deep-rated subsea vehicles such as AUVs, ROVs, ROTVs, and submarines.
Both products are set to be displayed at Oceanology International in London, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore how Kongsberg Discovery is helping to advance underwater sensing innovation.
The EM2042 DR600 offers the same performance as the standard EM 2042, but is designed specifically for underwater vehicles and deep unmanned platforms. With a depth rating of 600m, aided by pressure-resistant titanium housing and subsea-qualified electronics, the system provides ultra-high-resolution mapping in a lightweight, energy-efficient package for subsea vehicles with limited power budgets.
Its vehicle-agnostic design and single-cable connectivity enable flexible, simple integration, and its dual RX and single TX configuration allows up to 220° swath coverage on subsea platforms. Other features include multi-transmitter/multisector technology, with full 4D motion compensation for precise mapping, and QuadSwath-ready technology for increased coverage and faster operations.
Jose Cordero, product manager, Kongsberg Discovery, said, “EM2042 DR600 brings world-class depth-rated performance in a vehicle agnostic package suitable for a huge range of applications. It gives operators a new capacity to dive deeper, especially with autonomous assets, and achieve ultra-high-resolution mapping results with speed and precision they can trust. This is an exciting development the market has been calling out for.”
The EM2042 BNS is a naval-optimised multibeam solution created to enable optimal underwater domain awareness, critical infrastructure protection, rapid environment assessments, and a range of defence applications.
Developed for harsh environments, with military-grade robustness, the BNS variant combines high-resolution bathymetry with co-registered backscatter, allowing accurate seabed modelling, change detection, and target tracking in the water column. Its advanced motion stabilisation and wideband frequency coverage provide precise mapping, even on fast-moving or unstable platforms, while a single-cable architecture simplifies installation and reduces topside complexity.
Cordero said, “EM2042 BNS sets a new standard for naval seabed mapping and navigation. It pairs unmatched acoustic performance with the robustness and stability required for demanding defence environments, giving users the confidence to meet demands and address challenges, from wide-area awareness to high-resolution inspection.
“Everything we do is driven by our ambition to enable customer success. These new EM2042 variants demonstrate how we listen to the market and respond with practical, high-performance solutions - whether that’s enabling autonomous operations at depth or enhancing situational awareness for naval platforms. Our mission is to keep pushing what’s possible underwater, helping users work smarter, safer and with greater confidence."