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.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.