DSIT develops new towed array sonar

DSIT announced on 26 September that it will launch its SwordFish Towed Array Sonar (TAS) system at Pacific 2019 in Australia.

According to the company, the SwordFish complements DSIT’s BlackFish Hull Mounted Sonar system for use at various sea depths and for different mission types.

DSIT's Fish anti-submarine warfare family is capable of underwater target search, detection, tracking and classification both in passive, active and parallel modes. Each system includes machine learning technologies for automation algorithms, reducing operator workload.

The SwordFish system is connected to a vessel’s stern via a light winch, the cable length of which is determined according to the mission type and requirements. The lightweight TAS system, with its low deck signature, is suitable for frigates, corvettes, OPVs of various sizes, and small vessels such as fast patrol craft.

‘We identified the operational need to locate and track submarines at various depths and in different mission environments, including when using small vessels for either offshore or green waters missions,’ Hanan Marom, VP business development and marketing , stated. ‘SwordFish TAS is designed as a complementary system to the BlackFish HMS and BMS to meet the requirements of a wider range of missions.’