HMS Sutherland's sonar impresses on first major test
13 July 2010
A number of Thales sensors and systems are playing a vital role in a major Royal Navy (RN) overseas deployment, including a major test of its anti-submarine warfare capabilities that have been described as ‘world beating’ by the RN.
The ‘Auriga’ Task Group has brought together a variety of ships, submarines and aircraft off the Eastern Seaboard of North America, with around 2,000 personnel from the RN, French, Canadian and US navies taking part.
The exercise is of particular significance as it is the first time that the highly sophisticated Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland has been operationally tested since her recent multi-million refit, which included the installation of the world-class Thales Sonar 2087 system.
The ship also operates with a Merlin helicopter fitted with the Thales FLASH dipping sonar. The combination of Sonar 2087 and FLASH makes the Type 23 a formidable anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform.
The ‘Auriga’ deployment is focussing on a series of exercises with the aim of enhancing the RN’s operational capability by training with its coalition partners in traditional war-fighting areas of carrier strike, amphibious assault and anti-submarine warfare operations.
HMS Sutherland has joined the task group as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander and is working with the UK’s allies and live submarines over the four-and-a-half month deployment.
Commander John Payne RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Sutherland, says: “HMS Sutherland’s inclusion in the ‘Auriga’ deployment as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander is testament to the world-beating capability offered by my Sonar 2087, combined with the sustained endurance and sonar suite on our Merlin helicopters.”
“My team have been quick to develop and use new tactics that significantly enhance our submarine-hunting skill set and allow domination of the sub-surface environment over significantly extended ranges. This is Sutherland's first major test since her multi-million pound refit last year and thus far we have impressed all spectators.”
Merlin crews from Culdrose-based 814 Royal Naval Air Squadron have also deployed on board HMS Ark Royal and the RFA vessel, Fort George. Fitted with FLASH dipping sonar, these Merlins have been flying anti-submarine warfare exercises against the French nuclear submarine, FS Perle, which forms part of the task group.
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Notes to Editors
Sonar 2087 is a towed-array system that enables Type 23 frigates to hunt the latest submarines at considerable distances and locate them beyond the range at which they can launch an attack.
The Sonar 2087 system is a low-frequency active sonar, consisting of active and passive sonar arrays. The system is manufactured at Thales sites in the UK (Cheadle Heath in Manchester and Templecombe in Somerset) and in France (Brest).
About Thales and Thales UK
Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2009 the company generated revenues of £11.5 billion (€12.9 billion), with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.
Thales UK employs 8,500 staff based at 40 locations. In 2009 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.5 billion.
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