The United Kingdom Royal Navy is fitting a new naval sonar system, the Sonar 2087 (S2087) from Thales U.K. in Addlestone Nr Weybridge, England, to eight of its Type 23 frigates.
A variable-depth active and passive antisubmarine warfare (ASW) system, the S2087 is designed to improve the frigate’s ability to detect, classify, and track submarines at distances beyond the threat of attack. The new ASW sensor replaces the Sonar 2031 passive towed array, the usefulness of which has been compromised by the latest quiet nuclear propelled and conventionally propelled attack submarines (SSNs and SSKs).
The S2087 is designed to transmit at lower frequencies than other RN surface-ship active sonars, a trait that contributes to larger detection ranges. The towed body housing the transmit array is effective in depths conducive to target detection and tracking.
The entire sonar system, in fact, is designed to perform in waters ranging from deep ocean to coastal and tropical to arctic, to withstand electrical storms and lightning, and to survive speeds up to the Type 23 frigate’s normal cruising speed.
The S2087 features a passive array with digital telemetry, independently deployable receive and transmit arrays, and active and passive modes capable of independent streaming, recovery, and operation.
The sonar, said to be among the most advanced and capable, was ordered in 2001 and was due to enter service in May; however, the Ministry of Defence and contractor Thales U.K. delivered the S2087 to the Royal Navy roughly five months ahead of schedule.
For more information, visit www.thalesgroup.co.uk.
