SONAR System Market Analysis

The global SONAR system market is segmented by type into active SONAR system, passive SONAR system, and dual SONAR system, out of which, passive SONAR system accounted for the largest market share of 55.75% in 2019. Passive SONAR system performs detection and estimation of target/object based on the controlled object's noise. Its main advantage is that it doesn't emit any echo, which helps it to remain in stealth mode in the defense sector. Active SONAR system uses a pulse of acoustic energy, which is launched in water for echo generation. A well-defined signal called a “ping” is transmitted in an active SONAR system, which illuminates a target, and the reflected signal or “echo” is sensed, processed, and displayed by a receiver. Dual SONAR systems are the systems that use both active acoustic techniques in combination with passive acoustic systems. Dual SONARs are used mostly in commercial and scientific research operations, including hydrography, fisheries, and object detection.

By Acoustic Frequency

The global SONAR system market is segmented by acoustic frequency into infrasonic SONAR and ultrasonic SONAR. Infrasonic SONAR touched a market value of USD 1131.99 million in 2020. An infrasonic SONAR system can also be used in shallow water for hydrography, which helps the scientific research segment. The main advantage of ultrasonic SONAR is the presence of low frequency owing to which the sound waves travel to a greater distance, which helps in easy detection of objects in the sea. Ultrasonic SONAR has a complete application in defense, commercial, and scientific segments.

By Installation

The global SONAR system market is segmented by installation into hull mounted SONAR, stern mounted SONAR, airborne SONAR, dipping SONAR, and others. Hull mounted SONAR accounted for the largest market share of 46.64% in 2019 and is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. These SONARs are used in various naval missions, including submarine detection, mine detection, and diver detection. Stern mounted SONAR is installed at the back of the ship. The placement of the system is essential so that maximum information can be obtained. Airborne SONAR is gaining popularity across the defense sector owing to the quick drop & pick-up of the SONAR system from the air and more accurate & reliable data collection.

By Component

The global market is segmented by component into receiver, transmitter, hydrophone, beamforming processor, transducer, synchronizers, cables, and others. The synchronizers segment accounted for the largest market share of 26.70% in 2019 and is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years. The role of synchronizer is to give the overall coordinates and timing of the system. The application of synchronizers in SONAR system is to help pinpoint the location of ships and submarines. The receiver segment is designed to intercept and amplify the sound signals produced by the identified target object.

By Application

The global SONAR system market is segmented by application into defense, commercial, and scientific, out of which, defense segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019. Growing expenditure in the military is expected to boost the market during the forecast period. U.S., China, India, Russia, and Korea are the top five countries that spend a massive amount of resources in their defense sector. The commercial application of SONAR system includes fisheries, object detection, and offshore activities by the oil & gas sector. Scientific application of SONAR system includes hydrography and object detection for research purposes. A large amount of research operation is performed by an unmanned underwater vehicle that uses SONAR system to get a clear underwater structure.

Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments