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Ultra Electronics Underwater warfare

Integrated Sonar Systemtransforming ASW with ‘Pervasive Sound’

Ultra Electronics ISS

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Integrated Sonar SystemMany sensors, one sonar offering a low cost, high performance and flexible ASW solution.

This document introduces UltraElectronics’ Integrated Sonar System,its Pervasive Sound, DistributedASW concepts and system elements.

Ultra Electronics Sonar Systemsreserves the right to amend thespecifications and functionalitydescribed within this documentwithout notice.

Contact:Tel: +44 (0) 20 8813 4567www.ultra-sonar.com www.ultra-electronics.com

ContentsTransforming ASW03-04

Onboard Distributed ASW05-06

Offboard Distributed ASW07-08

Multistatic active (MSA) vs traditional ops 09-10

Many sensors, one sonar…Distributed ASW11-12

Torpedo defence 13-16

Customer Logistic Support (CLS)15-16

Ultra’s game-changing Integrated Sonar System (ISS)solves the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) problem fromall aspects. Firstly detecting and deterring the submarinethreat by using multiple sensors and multiple frequenciessimultaneously; then defeating the submarine’s primaryweapon by detecting, classifying and localising theheavyweight torpedo; coupled with threat neutralisationthrough a comprehensive towed and expendablecountermeasure suite.



Ultra Electronics’ Integrated Sonar System is a single sonar with multiplesensors. It can operate at multiple frequencies and has bi-static and multistaticfunctionality to increase the probability and range of detection, classificationand localisation of both submarines and torpedoes.

Ultra’s Integrated Sonar Systemwill transform ASW

Game-changing… transforming ASW

By displaying the ASW tactical pictureintegrated with track data from theCombat System this enablesmanagement of the ASW tracks,automatic Target Motion Analysis,and track calculation and generation.

Transmitters and receivers can bephysically separated but operate as a single system in a geographicallydispersed network and by passingdata from hydrophone array orsonobuoy sensor straight to thegraphical displays – the underwaterthreat has nowhere to hide.


The Integrated Sonar System is a low-cost, high-performance, flexible submarinedetection capability combined with state-of-the-art torpedo detection andcountermeasure features, through a combination of proven, in-serviceequipment, high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) elements and Military- andCommercial-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS and COTS) components, integrated within anOpen Systems Architecture.

The Integrated Sonar System hull-mounted and towed sonars. Hull-Mounted Sonar Dome.Acoustic situational display used to reduce operator loading.

Streaming the towed array.

Key componentsThe Integrated SonarSystem incorporates thefollowing key elements:Hull-Mounted Sonar (HMS):A dual-frequency Hull-mountedSonar providing a Low-to-Medium,Multi-Frequency capability with active operation, providing bothASW and Mine and ObstacleAvoidance capabilities.

Variable Depth Sonar (VDS):A modular, multi-frequency systemincorporating both active transmittersand passive receive array. The systemutilises flexible in-line elements whichhave the additional benefit ofminimising vessel impact by savingspace and weight whilst stilldelivering the desired performance.

Torpedo Detection, Classificationand Threat Evaluation:A comprehensive sensor-to-countermeasure capability developedby Ultra and currently in service,utilises passive detection with towedand expendable countermeasures.The system includes databases tooptimise evasion and survival duringengagement.

Multistatic Active Processing: An active and passive sonobuoyprocessing capability utilisingtraditional single-buoy processing aswell as multistatic processing usingmultiple buoys for detection,classification and localisation ofsubmarine and torpedo threats.

Integrated multi-sensor sonarprocessing providing 360º coverage.

onboard Distributed ASW

The low-cost,high performance,flexible ASW solution...


ISS 800 series = Shipborne Systems ISS 700 series = USV Systems



The use of sonobuoys for wide area multistaticsurveillance transforms the field of airborne sonar,providing a quantum leap in capability. It allowsmultiple platforms to work together if they have theright processing equipment to operate in the 100Hzto 2000Hz acoustic spectrum. The next generationof sonobuoys will allow for the inclusion of higherfrequency sonars to be part of the mix, providing‘Distributed ASW’ and leading to all detectablesonar energy contributing to the concept of‘Pervasive Sound’.

OverviewDistributed ASWFor more than ten years, Ultra hasbeen developing its ‘DistributedASW’ concept – that uses any ‘in-band’ sonar energy, radiated by anysource, to maximum effect. Bycombining this with Ultra’s concept of‘Pervasive Sound’, innovativeprocessing and display techniques,and exploiting modern PC-based

processing power, Ultra now providean order of magnitude increase inarea search performance (probability,area, and time) through usingMultiStatic Active (MSA) sonar.Whilst retaining traditional passive(i.e. DIFAR and HIDAR) andmonostatic active (DICASS andCAMBS) processing, the ISS providesa much wider area search capabilitywith greater certainty and usingfewer buoys.

The ‘Pervasive Sound’ conceptinvolves setting up a sonar fieldcomprising many distributed low-power sources to achieve wide areacoverage, rather than a few highpowered sources. This is much likelighting a swimming pool with manywidespread low powered lights ratherthan one large floodlight.

The area of distributed sources andreceivers can also be tacticallypositioned to take advantage of theenergy from high-power sources thatcould give bi-static or multistaticreturns to sensors in the field.

The inclusion of sonobuoys…

offboardDistributed ASW

HMS Receive

FREQUENCY

QPRA* Receive

*Quad Passive Receive Array

HMS Transmit

HPA Transmit

TLFS Transmit

Active Sonobuoy

Passive Sonobuoy

HMS combined Narrow Band and Wide Band

VDS combined Narrow Band and Wide Band

LF MF

Threat submarines have ‘nowhere to hide’ against multistatic ISS operations.

ISS 400 series = Airborne Systems ISS 300 series = UAV Systems



A significant advantage of incorporating distributed sensors into the ISS, such as sonobuoys, is that it doesnot require a purpose-built ASW aircraft to lay the buoys. Sonobuoys can either be laid off the ship itself:ships in company, such as auxiliaries; small boats (e.g. RIBs); utility helicopters or AUVs.

Multistatic active (MSA)…

MSA vs traditional opsBenefitsMultistatic ActiveThere are a number of advantages toMSA, compared to traditional passiveor monostatic operations:

Increased Probability of Detection:When the transmitter and receiver areco-located, the energy from thetransmitter must travel to and fromthe target along the same path.However, the strongest return isgenerally not back towards the source,and so separating the receiver andtransmitter can increase the probabilityof detecting the target. In any case,monostatically or multistatically, activedetection range will typically farexceed passive detection range on aconventional submarine.

Coverage Area:Using a field of widely separatedtransmitters and receivers providesmany detection opportunities, and soprovides detection and tracking oftargets over a much greater coveragearea than could be obtained using amonostatic system, even when usingsimple sensors. Sonobuoys aretherefore ideal sensors to use forMSA systems.

Tactical Advantage:Operationally, the separation of thetransmitter from the receiver isdeceptive to the target submarine. Asubmarine would traditionally assumethat the threat lies in the direction ofthe active transmission, whereas thereceiver may be in an entirelydifferent direction, and potentiallymuch closer to the submarine thanmay be imagined. Furthermore,transmit and receive sensors may beat various depths and relative ranges,making it very difficult for thesubmarine to exploit acousticpropagation conditions to avoiddetection. These aspects confersignificant tactical advantage on theMSA platform over the submarine.

Stationary Sources:A key advantage for sonobuoys,compared to surface ship active sonar,is that the sources are stationaryrelative to the water and it istherefore possible to detect relativelysmall target speeds or movements.

The two sonobuoys used are ALFEA (right), (Active Low

Frequency Electro Acoustic) and HIDAR (High Instantaneous

Dynamic Range DIFAR – Directional Frequency and Recording).

Integrated Sonar System provides multistatic sonar to ships and aircraft in force.

Multistatic sonar operations using own ship sonar and deployed passive/activedistributed sonar components.

Offboard systemelementsIntegrated Sonar SystemMSA provides the ability to utiliseremote and distributed sensors toboth enhance the probability ofdetection and increase the range ofdetection. The following transmissionpaths are possible:

• Active Sonobuoy to Quad PassiveReceive Array (QPRA).

• Dual Frequency Transmit Array(DFTA) to passive sonobuoy.

• Active sonobuoy to passivesonobuoy; and/or

• Ship One ISS (HMS).

• Ship One ISS (HMS or DFTA) to Ship Two ISS (QPRA).

The MSA solutionintegrates systemcomponents tooptimise performanceand minimise costs.



Solving the ASW problem from all aspects:

• Detect and deter the submarine using multiple sensors and multiplefrequencies simultaneously; and

• Detect and defeat the submarine’s primary weapon, the heavyweight torpedo, by detection, classification and localisation, coupled withneutralisation through a comprehensive towed and expendablecountermeasures suite.

Where traditional sonar installationstreat each sonar as a separate,independent system, linked via anetwork to a combat system, Ultra’s ISSdraws together the information fromeach acoustic sensor into a single sonarwith multiple sensors. The ISS thereforeincludes sensor information from activesources and passive arrays, whetheronboard or offboard, to capturemany more detection opportunitiesand therefore increase the probabilityof detection through integration gain.This raw data is processed in paralleland is then subject to post-processing‘apps’ that extract detections onvarious types of target, e.g.submarines, torpedoes or even marinemammals, which are then presentedto the operators on geographically-oriented displays, providing an end-to-end ASW capability.

Ultra Electronics’ Integrated SonarSystem is a single sonar with multiplesensors. It can operate at multiplefrequencies and has bi-static andmultistatic functionality to increase theprobability and range of detection,classification and localisation of bothsubmarines and torpedoes.

Integrated SonarSystem offers...• A fully integrated system deliveringsignificant operational capabilityand flexibility through integratedprocessing which enables activetransmissions from either the Hull-Mounted Active Sonar (HMS), Variable Depth Sonar (VDS)or sonobuoys to be received on the Quad Passive Receive Array(QPRA), which enhances inlayer/separated layer performance.

• Torpedo detection and classification.

• Detection and detailed analysis of contacts.

• Combined ISS contact tracking.

• A single, flexible tow combiningVDS, passive towed array andtorpedo detection, which minimisesmanning requirements, enhancessafety and saves space and weightthrough use of a single winch andfairlead combination, withouthandling equipment and a sterndoor. The VDS facilitates safedeployment in higher sea statesand higher tow speeds.

• A lightweight, single-drum winchremoving the need for dual- ormultiple-tow streaming.

• Interfacing to combat systems as required.

• Recording & replay of operationaldata for analysis and review.

• Onboard training modes.

• Calculation of predictedenvironmental conditions andsensor performance.

• Health and status monitoring.

• Low-risk implementation throughthe integration of high TRLcomponents and latest generationCommercial- and Military-Off-The-Shelf equipment.

• Open architecture and systemdesign methodology to mitigatehardware and softwareobsolescence issues through lifeand avoid reliance on particularsuppliers downstream.

• Clear and flexible growth path.

The ISS is designed totake full advantage oftwo key Ultra developedconcepts:

Distributed ASW –the linking of multiplesonar sources andreceivers multistatically.

Pervasive Sound –the optimum use of allavailable sonar energy,especially with many lowpower, rather than a fewhigh power, sources.

1 Hull-mounted sonar

2 FWD Sonar processing cabinet

3 Acoustic communications

4 Expendable AcousticCountermeasure

5 Expendable device launcher

6 Multi-function display

7 Launcher control unit

8 AFT Sonar processing cabinet

9 Winch

10 Dual frequency towed array

10 Flexible towed torpedocountermeasures

10 QPRA, DFTA and Flexible Towed Body

11 Multistatic Active Sonobuoys

1

2

3 5 6 7 8 9 10

Many sensors, one sonar… Distributed ASW

4 11



Ultra’s Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) system can be either standalone or incorporatedinto the ISS. As a stand-alone system, it is designed to be operated by minimally-trained operators andprovide simple operator actions on sounding a torpedo alert. Torpedoes can be detected passively via theVDS or by sonobuoys if the MSA capability is incorporated into the system. Ships steaming through apreviously laid sonobuoy field can therefore re-use the same field for area torpedo defence at no additionalcost or effort. Torpedo countermeasures, being based on sonobuoy technology, could also be deployed byorganic assets, e.g. helicopters or unmanned air systems, well away from threatened ships.

OperationSea Sentor, when incorporated into ISS,utilises the VDS, HMS and sonobuoysas available. If it detects a torpedo, itcan classify to type and operatingmode and the operator is presentedwith most effective tactics andcountermeasures to defeat the threat.

For example, the system willautomatically activate the towedcountermeasure (if fitted) with thecorrect setting for the particulartorpedo, recommend that the operatormake specific ship manoeuvres (turn toport or starboard, increase or decreasespeed) and fire specific patterns ofexpendable countermeasures withspecific waveform settings. Theexpendable countermeasures will havepreset signals prior to being loadedinto the two (port and starboard)pneumatic launchers.

Both the threat and tactics databases are provided blank byUltra, allowing the customer navy toinsert its own threat intelligence dataand develop its own tactics tocounter the torpedoes detected.Ultra is able to provide training tooperators as to how to populate andmodify these databases.

Future GrowthA development programme isunderway to introduce an Activetorpedo Detection, Classification andLocalisation (A-DCL) capability to thetorpedo defence component.

This will provide a greater capabilityto detect the next generation ofquiet, electric torpedoes as well asproviding sufficient fidelity of data to more effectively target hard-kill,i.e., Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT)countermeasures.

Torpedo defence...

operating concept

Expendable Acoustic Device Launcher. Identification of threat and tactics database to counter the incoming torpedo.

DrogueVIM NAS MF HF MF VHF LF MF HF MF LF NAS AI VIMEOCM NAS

FOTC NAS NASPA &magnetics

HPAprojectors

PA &magnetics

TLFSprojectors ATC

Acousticprocessor

Processor AFT Cabinet

ATIinterface

CM power(growth)

Input/Output

DFTA HPsipplies

ASPS cabinet

DFTA powersupply

QPRA powersupply

Input/Output

Localcontroller

Winch

Slipring

Levelwind

Motorcontrol unit

Interface Cabinet

Acousticprocessor

Processor FWD Cabinet

ATIinterface

UPS Motorcontrol unit

DFTA

QPRA

Matching units Array

Independancematching



Sub stavemapping

Sub stavemapping

Sub stavemapping

Junction box



from SSTD to ISS…

CountermeasuresThe Countermeasures sub-systemincorporates Expendable AcousticDevices (EAD), Expendable DeviceLaunchers (EDLs) with a LauncherControl Unit (Remote) and a FlexibleTowed Body (FTB).

Expendable Acoustic DeviceThe Expendable Acoustic Device is aprogrammable countermeasureutilising technology developed underprevious Ultra countermeasureprogrammes. It incorporates low-costfeatures developed by Ultra under itssonobuoy programmes, supporting avery low cost of system ownership.

EAD launch may be initiated via thelocal control on each launcher or via aremote Launcher Control Unit(LCU(R)) sited in the Operations Roomor the Bridge. The FTB and EAD areprogrammable and support a numberof modes of operation.

The EAD is re-programmable, atdockside, prior to loading into thelauncher or in-situ prior to entering athreat arena with an optionalprogrammer.

Flexible TowedCountermeasureThe Flexible Towed Countermeasureprovides countermeasure settings todefeat all aspects of a torpedo.

ArchitectureIn general, the core components ofthe ISS; i.e. HMS, VDS, TorpedoDefence and MSA can be providedeither as a single, integrated system orin individual or component parts. Thesystem is entirely modular and nocomponent is entirely dependent onanother for operation.

Software ArchitectureThe sonar software architectureemploys protocols which allow theprovision of “plug and play” capabilityat both the component and systemlevel, facilitating growth from baselinesonar through to a full ASW combatsystem. The ISS softwareinfrastructure has been designed toallow for the insertion of 3rd partyalgorithms and processingcomponents through adherence to astrict policy of openness.

In particular, although Active DCLfunctionality is under developmentand not provided in the baseline ISS,data required for Active DCLprocessing is published via the DDSbackplane and detections from thisprocessing package can be handledby the ISS, facilitating the laterintroduction of this capability.Similarly, CPU capacity and networkbandwidth required for suchadditional processing are availablewithin the baseline ISS.

Towed variable depth sonar

Hull-mounted sonarExpendable Acoustic Device



“by thinking differently about sustainment of'through-life operations Ultra haspioneered innovative support systems, which have delivered reduced costs andincreased performance across a number of major programmes.”

CLSUltra’s in-service supportWaterfront support – solutions thatdeliver support savings and increasesystem availability.

Features:•Waterfront support services

• Front line support

• Proven track record

Ultra’s performance is measured by theUK Ministry of Defence (MoD) andinternational customers throughagreed Key Performance Indicators.Therefore Ultra’s business modelfocuses on meeting these performancetargets by delivering significant savingsunder Target Cost Incentive Fee & GainShare arrangements, demonstratingthe company’s dedication tocontinuous cost reduction and servicelevel improvement.

Examples are:

Mine Disposal System (MDS)• Full Factory to Ship/magazine CLS tothe RN mine hunting fleet inclusiveof explosive logistic management,installation, maintenance andinternational front line support.

Sonar 2170 (Torpedo Defence)• Ultra is recognised as a world leaderin the design, development, deliveryand support of a robust, reactivetorpedo countermeasure system.

• Sixteen RN systems are beingsupported which can be moved andfitted to over 40 platforms includingsupport vessels.

• Full CLS to the MoD managing theinstallation, maintenance, removalof each system followed byrefurbishment, re-certification readyfor the next installation.

Sonar 2091 (Type 45Destroyer – Bow sonar)• Full CLS to BAE Systems.

• Based at the waterfront centre inPortsmouth. Inventory managementof on-board spares using anapproved asset tracking tool.

• Full support provided for bothroutine maintenance periods andreactive fields.

• Service call out.

Comprehensive reactive service:As part of CLS delivery Ultra’swaterfront support services continueto expand. Through provision of helpdesk facilities from our UK base andthe deployment of Field engineers tostrategic locations at home andoverseas, Ultra has a comprehensivereactive service for all our MoD andCommercial customers.

In-service supportContractors on DeployedOperations (CONDO)• Compliant with Def-Stan 05-129.

• Fully Trained CONDO field engineers.

• Established reputation with the MoD.

• In theatre presence in the Gulf region.

• Flexible support to commercialbusiness.

Ultra’s Sonar Systems support teamconsists of fully qualified fieldengineers that provide support inoperational areas around the world.For example, the front line waterfrontsupport to Royal Navy platformsdeployed in the Gulf, conductingmaintenance and repairs, andoptimising system availability.

This service can also be offered tothird party companies where theCONDO infrastructure may not be inplace. CONDO policy (DefenceStandard 05-129) applies to allsubcontractors and their personnelwho are deployed outside the BritishIsles to provide commercial services todeployed operations. Support teamCONDO readiness is maintainedthrough conduct of annual medicaland dental checks, annual CONDOrefresher training plus comprehensiveRisk and Safety management.

in-service… Customer Logistic Support

making a difference

Ultra ElectronicsSONAR SYSTEMS418 Bridport RoadGreenfordMiddlesex UB6 8UAEnglandTel: +44 (0) 20 8813 4567www.ultra-sonar.comwww.ultra-electronics.com

Ultra Electronics businesses within the Underwater warfare segment core capability area:

3 Phoenix Inc.14585 Avion Parkway #200ChantillyVirginia 20151USATel: +1 703 956 6480www.3phoenix.com

Avalon Systems12 Douglas DriveTechnology ParkMawson Lakes, AdelaideSouth Australia 5095AustraliaTel: +61 (0) 8 8169 1200www.ultra-avalon.comwww.ultra-electronics.com.au

Flightline Systems7625 Omnitech PlaceVictor, New York 14564-9795USATel: +1 585 924 4000www.ultra-fei.com

Maritime Systems40 Atlantic StreetDartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4N2CanadaTel: +1 902 466 7491www.ultra-ms.com

Ocean Systems115 Bay State DriveBraintree, Massachusetts 02184-5203USATel: +1 781 848 3400www.ultra-os.com

Sonar Systems418 Bridport RoadGreenford, Middlesex UB6 8UAEnglandTel: +44 (0) 20 8813 4567www.ultra-sonar.com

USSI4578 East Park 30 DriveColumbia City, Indiana 46725-8861USATel: +1 260 248 3500www.ultra-ussi.com

PhotographyImages on pages 01-02 and 03-04courtesy of US DoD.

MAF Reference B057 September 2015.

Ultra Electronics reserves the right to vary these specifications without notice. © Ultra Electronics Limited 2015.

The Ultra Electronics group manages a portfolio of specialist capabilities, generating highly-differentiated solutions and products in the DEFENCE & AEROSPACE, SECURITY & CYBER,TRANSPORT and ENERGY markets, by applyingelectronic and software technologies in demandingand critical environments to meet customer needs.

Ultra Electronics’ Sonar Systems business delivers affordable real-world solutions to itsinternational customers operating in theunderwater environment.

1. Portable

ISS XXX-X

2. Training

3. UAV

4. Airborne

5. UUV

6. Submarine

7. USV

8. Shipborne

*Assumes conventional passive and mono-static active

Examples

ISS 400-0 = Generic airborne acoustic processing suite (any functionality)ISS 450-1 = Mult-static Processing Module for Merlin (PAS only)ISS 450-2 = Mult-static Processing Module for Merlin (e.g. a CAS upgrade)

ISS 831-2 = Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) Mod 2ISS 482-1 = Airborne Acoustic Processor (e.g. as a CD for embedded applications)

ISS 891-1 = ISS on AWD (hull-mount, VDS and SSTD)ISS 892-1 = ISS on AWD plus offboard sonobuoy processing

9. Shore-based

0. Generic

1. Hull Mount

2. Variable Depth

3. Torpedo Defence

4. Sonobuoy*

5. Mult-static sonar

6. Mine Warfare

7. Communications

8. Dual function

9. Multiple function

0. Generic

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

0.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Platform Function Mark Version

Platform number

Function number

Mark number

Version number

Integrated Sonar System (prefix)

ISS Product and System Identification table

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