Multibeam sonar heads have an array of transducers that simultaneously transmits pings (sound pulses) at a specified frequency to cover a large area in less time than a single beam transducer. To generate data, computer software assigns a colour range corresponding to the amount of sound reflected off a target. The distance to the target is determined by the length of time it took to receive the transmitted acoustic pulse.

Kongsberg Mesotech manufactures two types of multibeam sonar; the M3 Series which is a 2D imaging sonar and the Diver Detection System (DDS), also a 2D imaging sonar used for underwater surveillance and security.