System 6 (click on the above image for a detailed view)
represents the latest development in a long line of
LaCoste-based airborne gravity systems, stretching back to the
first successful airborne gravity flights in 1958 and building
on the success of the TAGS System. For over 50 years,
LaCoste gravimeters have acquired hundreds of thousands of
line kilometers of gravity data during academic, government,
and commercial surveys. System 6 blends the latest in GPS and
data acquisition technology with the solid foundation of the
LaCoste dynamic gravimeter.
System 6 is an upgrade to the
TAGS/Air III gravity meter, and is designed specifically for
airborne operations. The system incorporates a time-tested,
low-drift, zero-length-spring gravity sensor mounted on a
gyro-stabilized gimbal platform. The sensor has a worldwide gravity
measuring range (no reset necessary) of 500,000 milliGals.
New Features
- Smaller sensor/gimbal (60%)
- Lighter sensor/gimbal (30%)
- New slip ring technology- more robust
- 20 Hz GPS and Gravity data: Better GPS and Gravity timing
- More travel pitch/roll
- Full feedback 500,000 mGal range on beam: more robust in turbulence
- Double oven temperature control
- Temperature controlled electronics
- Microprocessor control
- Separate, rack-mountable electronic unit and computer allow for more flexibility in configuration
- Lockable Gimbal
Included with System 6 is the next generation, state of the
art, Aerograv data processing software. Raw field data from
the survey aircraft and GPS base station(s) can be immediately
processed to produce the free-air and Bouger gravity anomalies
along survey lines. The processed data can be exported to
mapping packages such as Geosoft Oasis Montaj™ or the
Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) for such tasks as survey line
leveling, gridding, and mapping.
Comparison with TAGS System
- 100X the acceleration range
- Larger Pitch (25° vs. 22°) and larger Roll (30° vs. 25°) ranges
- Static Repeatability improved (0.02 vs. 0.05 millGals)
- Reduced Power requirements (75 vs. 240W)
- Greatly reduced size: 48% smaller (59 x 53 x 56cm vs. 71 x 56 x 84cm)
- Greatly reduced weight (73kg vs. 140kg)
Shown above the older TAGS on the left (without safety cages installed), and System 6 on the right (no safety cages necessary).
Applications
- Geoid Mapping
- Petroleum Exploration
- Regional Geophysics
- Mineral Exploration
For a complete list of applications, specifications, and
example data, please download a pdf version of the System 6
brochure here.
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