General Dynamics VENOM processor selected for RoKN P-3C Orion

General Dynamics Canada will supply next-generation acoustic processing systems for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft upgrade programme under a contract announced on 20 August. The company was awarded the award by Korean Air Lines.

Under the contract, General Dynamics Canada will provide 10 Vpx ENhanced Open architecture Multi-static (VENOM) sonobuoy processors to Korean Air Lines to replace the existing acoustic systems under the ‘Lot I’ P-3C aircraft upgrade programme.

The VENOM system is an acoustic processor designed to provide underwater acoustic signal acquisition and processing capabilities, automation and sophisticated tools that help acoustic operators to quickly and accurately detect, classify and track submarines in complex undersea environments. 

David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems – International, said: ‘Acoustic operators face considerable challenges detecting today's stealthy submarine threats, and the sheer volume of sensor data that they must manage and analyse in order to develop a complete situational awareness picture can be overwhelming. This new, advanced generation of acoustic processors helps operators handle their complex tasks more effectively and efficiently than ever before.’

General Dynamics Canada completed delivery of acoustic processors for the RoKN's ‘Lot II’ P-3 upgrade programme in 2010.