PML Applications’ Centre for Coastal Technologies has been working with Thales on new advanced techniques for coastal monitoring.

The project was part of a proof of concept for new techniques of mine detection and sensors for autonomous vessels during which PML Applications led the marine component of the trial.

Thales designs, develops and manufactures electrical systems as well as devices and equipment for the aerospace, defence, transportation and security sectors.

PML Applications has worked with Thales for over four years on a range of projects involving marine deployment and recovery, for the purpose of testing surface and sub-surface detection capabilities.

During the recent sea trial held off Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, and utilising PML research vessels Plymouth Quest and PML Explorer, PML Applications was tasked with the safe deployment and recovery of targets, used to assess the viability of a cutting-edge system for identifying floating objects.

The Plymouth Quest was also used as a platform to trial sensors that will be used to inform the potential use of machine learning for the safe deployment of autonomous vessels.

Sam Fergusson-Cooper. Thales Sales Manager said:

“Having PML Applications in the trials team undoubtedly contributed to the success of the event. PML Applications’ attitude – from the pre-planning, through to approvals, management and delivery – was instrumental in the realisation of the trial. Their approach to being an integrated member in the wider team, as well as their responsive and reactive problem-solving. was hugely respected. From the start to the finish of the trial lifecycle, we received an abundant level of support. Thales certainly looks forward to working with PML Applications in the future.”

PML Applications’ Head of the Centre for Coastal Autonomy (CCT) Tim Fileman added:

“This was a complex project which required a significant amount of logistical planning, not least in coordinating the vessels involved with the technologies being tested. Thales were able to identify various objects using the new systems, with PML Applications’ supporting the deployment and recovery.”