When military operations hinge on understanding what lies beneath the waves, deployable hydrographic survey systems like the LRS become essential tools for safe, informed decision‑making.

Military hydrographic survey operations play a critical role in ensuring safe navigation, operational readiness, and informed decision‑making by delivering precise, reliable mapping of the seafloor and surrounding maritime environment. It typically involves mapping seabed depth and features, identifying hazards, characterising sediments, and understanding tides and currents. In a defence context, it enables forces to operate safely and effectively in contested or unfamiliar waters.

BlueZone Group currently manages the sustainment contract for the Littoral Riverine Survey (LRS) System, a fully deployable hydrographic survey capability designed for rapid use on virtually any available vessel. The system is delivered in both light and heavy configurations, packaged as portable, commercially flyable kits, enabling rapid mobilisation and seamless operation wherever they are required.

The Light LRS kit offers a highly deployable, efficient survey solution built around a single beam echosounder, ideal for rapid depth profiling and reliable seabed mapping thanks to its precise vertical measurements and simplicity of mobilisation. Complementing this, the StarFish side‑scan sonar from Blueprint Subsea enhances the Light kit with exceptional shallow‑water imaging, providing high‑resolution CHIRP operation, up to 200m swath coverage, and a lightweight, single‑person‑deployable design from a RHIB or small tinny—perfect for fast environmental assessments and target identification.

The Heavy LRS kit, equipped with the Teledyne SeaBat T20 multibeam echosounder, delivers superior data quality through its fully integrated, frequency‑agile wide‑band arrays (190–420 kHz), high‑resolution bathymetry, and fast mobilisation, enabling detailed special-order level 1 surveys with clean, accurate seabed representation and reduced processing time. Both configurations ensure the LRS system can be rapidly deployed on any vessel of opportunity while maintaining high‑quality survey outputs tailored to mission requirements.

BlueZone provides significant advantages as a sustainment partner, delivering consistent, long‑term value through comprehensive technical expertise and customer-focused support. With dedicated ongoing technical assistance, BlueZone ensures systems remain operational, reliable, and optimised throughout their lifecycle. Our focused engineering team brings deep knowledge of each system, supported by a rich historical issue database and years of hands‑on experience, meaning end users benefit from fast diagnosis, informed troubleshooting, and effective solutions. The continuity of familiar engineers—who build rapport and trust with clients—creates a seamless support experience that enhances confidence and operational performance. BlueZone’s sustainment model includes onsite technical assistance, functional testing, and direct engagement with operators to ensure equipment is performing as intended and any emerging issues are addressed promptly. As Engineer Jacob Smith notes, “As the subject matter experts on this equipment, we’re in the best position to provide support to the SPO and the end users, and help them get the most out of this equipment.” This expertise-driven approach ensures clients receive not only support, but true partnered sustainment that maximises capability, efficiency, and longevity.

For more information on Hydrographic Survey equipment and support, please Contact the BlueZone Group sales team.