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Defence & Security / RTsys / Surface Communication Module
RTsys
◆ Mine Counter-Measures · Surface Station

Surface communication module -
the coordination backbone.

The topside hub of the MCM suite. A dipping waterproof transducer paired with a digital tablet that processes diver and AUV navigation and position data in real time, supports two-way text messaging with divers, and gives the supervisor one coordinated picture of everyone in the water - and it is the surface command unit used by SONABLOW.

Three RTsys crew in life jackets aboard a RHIB, with two yellow COMET-300 AUVs on the deck
Topside
Surface Network Hub
2.2 km
Acoustic Range (5 km via PRB)
25 h
Autonomy
Commands
SONABLOW Firing
Why It Matters

Somebody on the surface has to hold the whole picture.

Underwater, every diver and vehicle has only its own slice of the seabed. The Surface Communication Module is where those slices come together: it gives the supervisor a single coordinated view of where each diver, AUV and beacon is, what they are saying and what the network is doing - the difference between a set of separate operators and one MCM team working a problem together.

What the SCM Does

The surface end of the acoustic network

Track

Through a dipping waterproof transducer, the SCM processes the navigation and position data of divers, AUVs and beacons in real time and displays it on a digital tablet.

Relay

It exchanges two-way text messages with divers - send an SMS, follow their position live - out to 2.2 km, or beyond 5 km using RTsys positioning & relay beacons.

Coordinate

It assembles everything into one supervisor picture - who is where, who is talking, and how the mission is progressing.

Command

When the charge is set, the SCM is the unit that sends the acoustic command to fire one or many SONABLOW devices.

Surface Communication Module kit, studio view: open control case, rugged tablet showing a sonar screen, and a dipping transducer on a coiled cable
The topside kit: control case, rugged tablet and the dipping transducer on its cable.
Coordination Hub

One supervisor, one shared view

The SCM is deliberately the topside anchor of the network. Divers stay covert and untethered; the AUVs survey and relay; the beacons fix positions - and the SCM ties all of it back to a person on the surface who can see the whole task at once.

That keeps decisions where they belong: with a supervisor who has the complete picture, not with isolated operators each guessing at the rest.

See SONADIVE divers →
Firing Control

The unit that commands SONABLOW

When a charge is placed, the order to fire comes from the surface. The SCM sends an acoustic command through its transducer to fire underwater detonators - so the team can neutralise on the supervisor's timing, with divers already clear of the blast.

No electric firing lines run back to the surface; the command travels as sound through the water, the same medium the whole network already uses.

See SONABLOW →
RTsys concept illustration: acoustic signals from a surface craft reach a SONABLOW device on the seabed beside a bottom mine, while a moored mine detonates
Concept illustration (RTsys): the fire command travels as sound from the surface to SONABLOW on the seabed.
Part of the MCM Suite

Built to run the whole acoustic battlespace

The Surface Communication Module is the topside half of RTsys's manned-and-unmanned MCM teaming. It does not work alone - it is the surface station that makes SONADIVE, the COMET-MCM and SONABLOW behave as one system.

Surface
Coordination Point
Acoustic
Linked Underwater
Supervisor
Single Operating Picture
Mission Context

Part of a bigger mission

SepcoTech scopes and delivers this as one piece of a cross-supplier capability. See the missions it supports:

Why SepcoTech

A safe pair of hands for defence at sea

Authorised Distributor

We represent RTsys directly - specification, supply and through-life support, coordinated from Denmark.

Naval & EOD Focus

A portfolio assembled for navies, coast guards and EOD units - not adapted from civilian kit.

One Point of Contact

Multi-supplier defence systems, integrated and quoted as a single package by one partner.

Backed Through Life

Training, spares and support for the full operational life of the system.

Direct Contact

Speak directly with our defence specialist

Every enquiry is handled directly and in confidence - you will normally have a reply within one business day.

RM
René Meisel
Defence & Security Specialist · SepcoTech

For spec sheets, capability documents, pricing or to arrange a briefing or demonstration - on this system or any platform in the SepcoTech defence portfolio - contact me directly:

  • Spec sheets & technical datasheets on request
  • Briefings & demonstrations for units & agencies
◆ Request a Briefing