deep sea search
auv-ee
"The typical ranges used are about 300-500m either side of track, and the achievable resolution allows detection of an object about the size of a 55 gallon oil drum."
"That puts the range of a l@ser scanner at a maximum of 6*50=300m, but more typically 4*25 = 100m. That does not compete well with sonar for a wide area search for large objects that are likely sitting proud on the seafloor."
The AUV in use seems to be capable of carrying at least another custom-device besides the side-scan sonar. Green/Blue l@ser could add just that additional peace of information, if detected, which could be overlooked with a side-scan sonar. Range is less, half maybe, but to increase the chance of finding, is what it's all about. Not to choose between the 2, but to add l@ser as another opportunity.