| Additional information | |
|---|---|
| Operational Features | • Maximum depth: 1000 m (3,281’) • Deployment: Handles for slip-rope deployment • Highly configurable operational life, based on selected acoustic windows and required depths • Activation Method: Removable magnet • Battery: 40 x Saft LSH20 lithium battery • Automatic scuttling at end of useful life • 36 month shelf life • Encryption: Secret – AES-256 |
| Mechanical | • Hull material: Hard anodized aluminum • Height: 1692 mm (66.6”) with antenna, 1240 mm (48.8”) without antenna • Mass: 25 kg (55 lb) • Hydraulic buoyancy control • Fully sanitized design, no visible branding |
| Connectivity | • Iridium Certus® 100 satellite connectivity – up to 88 Kbps • First Defence product using Iridium® 9770 midband transceiver |
| Sensors | • Hydrophone: Custom hydrophone element developed in Nova Scotia | Sampling rate: 6 KHz | Frequency band: 10 Hz – 2.4 KHz | Detection radius: 9.26 km (5 NM) • Temperature Sensor: +/- 0.002 °C (0.0036 °F) over -5 °C (23 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F) | Resolution 0.00005 °C (0.00009 °F) • Pressure Sensor: Ultra low power depth sensor – Canadian made | 2000 m (6,561.7’) depth rating | +/- 1 m (3.3’) accuracy | Resolution 20 mm (0.79”) |
MetOcean Telematics NiKA
Autonomous acoustic surveillance platform for persistent maritime monitoring and underwater surveillance.
MetOcean Telematics has combined 40+ years of expertise with advanced acoustic technology to create NiKA… a next-generation platform for autonomous maritime surveillance and subsurface awareness.
Highlights
• Cost-effective solution for long-endurance acoustic monitoring
• Depth rated up to 1000 m
• Configurable operating life — depending on mission parameters, can exceed one year
• Two operational modes: Classic (profiling through the water column) and Stealth (fixed-depth monitoring until triggered)
• Silent buoyancy engine for vertical cycling
• Real-time acoustic intelligence via Iridium Certus® 100
• Custom Nova Scotia–developed hydrophone with 5 NM detection radius
NiKA is equipped with a custom hydrophone, enabling detection of acoustic signatures at distances of up to 5 nautical miles. In Classic Mode, it autonomously cycles through the water column to collect acoustic, temperature, and depth data before surfacing to transmit. In Stealth Mode, NiKA remains at a fixed depth, gathering intelligence until an acoustic trigger prompts it to surface and communicate.
Data is transmitted when NiKA surfaces, using the robust Iridium Certus 100 mid-band service, ensuring secure, real-time delivery of mission-critical information to command networks anywhere in the world. Initial deployment parameters are configured through MetOcean’s Orion mission software, after which operators use LiNC for in-field connectivity, satellite uplink, and further configuration.
NiKA’s buoyancy engine adjusts density hydraulically, allowing silent vertical profiling without propulsion noise. With a hard anodized aluminum hull, compact 25 kg form factor, and intuitive magnetic key activation, NiKA can be handled and deployed by a single operator without specialized equipment. Rated for depths up to 1000 m and powered by long-life Saft lithium cells, it can remain active for over a year depending on mission profiles.
Proven in global innovation challenges — including 3rd place at the 2023 NATO Innovation Challenge and recognition as a Top 20 Winner at IDEX 2025 — NiKA is redefining underwater acoustic surveillance. From anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and persistent subsurface threat detection to oceanographic research, NiKA delivers unmatched versatility and endurance for modern maritime operations.
Orion Desktop Utility Software
Missions are fully configurable using Orion, MetOcean’s desktop planning and diagnostic tool. Once deployed, NiKA uses LiNC to maintain satellite connectivity for data transfer and mission updates via Iridium Certus 100. Simple to configure, activate, and deploy, NiKA provides a reliable, operator-friendly solution for advanced undersea monitoring.
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
| Operational Features | • Maximum depth: 1000 m (3,281’) • Deployment: Handles for slip-rope deployment • Highly configurable operational life, based on selected acoustic windows and required depths • Activation Method: Removable magnet • Battery: 40 x Saft LSH20 lithium battery • Automatic scuttling at end of useful life • 36 month shelf life • Encryption: Secret – AES-256 |
| Mechanical | • Hull material: Hard anodized aluminum • Height: 1692 mm (66.6”) with antenna, 1240 mm (48.8”) without antenna • Mass: 25 kg (55 lb) • Hydraulic buoyancy control • Fully sanitized design, no visible branding |
| Connectivity | • Iridium Certus® 100 satellite connectivity – up to 88 Kbps • First Defence product using Iridium® 9770 midband transceiver |
| Sensors | • Hydrophone: Custom hydrophone element developed in Nova Scotia | Sampling rate: 6 KHz | Frequency band: 10 Hz – 2.4 KHz | Detection radius: 9.26 km (5 NM) • Temperature Sensor: +/- 0.002 °C (0.0036 °F) over -5 °C (23 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F) | Resolution 0.00005 °C (0.00009 °F) • Pressure Sensor: Ultra low power depth sensor – Canadian made | 2000 m (6,561.7’) depth rating | +/- 1 m (3.3’) accuracy | Resolution 20 mm (0.79”) |