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USS Cleveland Tests Anti-Torpedo Technology

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060429-02
Release Date: 4/29/2006 7:03:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Jason Calandruccio, Commander, Amphibious Group 3 Public Affairs

USS CLEVELAND (NNS) -- USS Cleveland (LPD 7) served as a test platform for a new torpedo detection system off the coast of Vancouver, Canada, April 8-13.

A technology demonstrator for the AN/WSQ-11 Torpedo Defense System, commonly referred to as the “Whiskey 11” system, was installed aboard Cleveland just before the ship’s participation in the test. This system was referred to affectionately by the crew as “Super Nixie," because it built upon the existing Nixie torpedo countermeasure winch system.

This temporary Super Nixie installation has the towed sensors and processing to provide the unique capability of detecting, classifying and localizing multiple torpedoes using both active and passive sonar. The system is also designed to automatically track incoming threats and neutralize them with installed and in-development countermeasures, such as the anti-torpedo torpedo.

“This is the first time this design has been tested on an American fighting ship," said Cleveland’s commanding officer, Capt. Frank McCulloch. "For the ‘Steamin Cleve’ to be a part of history once again is a great honor for all of us.”

Civilian experts from the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Sea Systems Command and contractors from Ultra Electronics Systems, who had embarked Cleveland for the exercise, were eager to put their designs to a true test. Their desires were fully sated as Canadian and American support craft fired multiple test torpedoes at Cleveland, giving the Super Nixie a workout.

In addition to proving the Super Nixie concept, tests also generated data that will one day play a critical role in developing future anti-torpedo technologies and strategies.

Operations Specialist Seaman Dan S. Peters was excited to be a part of the test process.

“It was great to get out here and experience working with the Canadians," Peters said. "Super Nixie is part of our future in the Navy, and I was proud to be a part of this transition.”