Zycraft, a provider of anti-piracy vessel escort services for shipping in the South East Asia region, has fielded a gunshot detection system called B-AMMS (Boat Acoustic Multi-Mission Sensor) onboard its Shomari LRV-17 counter piracy escort vessels.
This provides the Shomari LRV-17 with an early warning capability against weapon fire that pirates may employ and which is normally very difficult to detect in a noisy marine environment. The B-AMMS developed by Microflown Maritime is an extension of its proven vehicle mounted SAF (Small Arms Fire) detection system currently in operation with Dutch Forces.
The system features Microflown's proprietary acoustic vector sensor and software and its small size, weight and power means it can be fitted on almost all types of maritime vessels. B-AMMS can detect multiple shots of small arms fire and provide both the direction as well as the range for each of the shots. Mastering multi-shooting scenarios, the B-AMMS detects shots and localises the shooter position, whether being targeted directly or when the shooter is not firing at the vessel.
The system detects very well both the shockwave and the muzzle blast of such an acoustic event. This acoustic vector detection and localisation system also works at larger ranges and miss distances than conventional gunshot detection systems. Ranges up to 1,500m and miss distances of up to 200m can be achieved.
Zycraft is performing operational evaluation tests for the B-AMMS over the next six months and will be exploring its integration onto its Unmanned Surface Vessels.
