RSM 50 Marine Gyro Stabilizer Excels in SAR Mission Test

SOMAG AG Jena collaborated with Supervision, a Dutch system integrator specializing in smart camera systems and advanced detection technologies, for a unique maritime rescue simulation on the Ijsselmeer. The goal was to demonstrate the capabilities of our RSM 50 Marine Gyro Stabilizer Mount in a real-world scenario by stabilizing an Axis Q2101-TE positioning camera and a Q6225-LE PTZ camera on a SAR (Search and Rescue) boat used by a Dutch sea rescue organization. This configuration was designed to aid in the detection and identification of individuals in open water, ensuring maximum visibility and stability in critical situations where every second counts.

The trial began with a gradual cruise through the harbor to verify setup integrity and adjust key parameters. As dusk set in, the SAR boat moved into the open waters of the Ijsselmeer, navigating moderate speeds and challenging turning maneuvers. These conditions created wave patterns that required robust stabilization to maintain clear visuals. Despite the shorter wave intervals and the inherent movement of the smaller vessel, the RSM 50 Marine Gyro Stabilizer Mount neutralized environmental impacts effectively, ensuring stable and clear footage.

To showcase the system’s capabilities, a dummy was deployed into the icy water after dark, simulating a real-life search and rescue target at night. Both cameras were actively guided by the gyro stabilization mount, while the positioning unit allowed precise tracking of the dummy across varying distances. This combination provided uninterrupted and stabilized visuals, which the crew monitored in real-time from the cockpit. The seamless integration of camera stabilizing technology proved invaluable in quickly locating the target in challenging conditions.

Throughout the test, the rescue crew was able to observe the camera feeds directly, experiencing firsthand the difference between the active stabilized setup and a deactivated stabilization mode. The RSM 50 Ruggedized Stabilization Mount demonstrated exceptional performance in managing the ship’s motion, ensuring rapid and accurate visual identification of targets in distress. The use of the RSM 50 reduced the existing movements in this mission data example by ca. 34 times in the roll axis and 24 times in the pitch axis for the sensor system. The crew expressed their appreciation for the added stability, acknowledging the significant impact this technology could have on search and rescue operations.

By the end of the trial, the RSM 50 Marine Gyro Stabilizer Mount impressed the team with its contributions to enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness. Stabilized and gyro-based imaging proved to be essential for ensuring clear visuals in time-sensitive scenarios where immediate action can mean the difference between life and death.

SOMAGs marine product portfolio includes three distinct Gyro Stabilization Mounts. All marine mounts are engineered for operation in harsh weather and water conditions aboard boats, ships, USVs, and buoys. They are compatible with a wide range of sensors, including 360° cameras, thermal imaging systems, video and hyperspectral cameras, laser scanners, and antennas.