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The three SDL-SS systems installed in the Karlstad, Nyköping and Visby vessels have been fully accepted by FMV.

The new year started successfully for the SDL-SS programme that SAES developed for the Royal Swedish Navy (FM), with final acceptance of the anti-submarine warfare systems SDL-SS (Sensor Data Link – Surface Segment) two and three, which underwent sea trials (SAT-Sea Acceptance test) in Karlskrona with the participation of FM and Defence Material Administration (FMV) throughout 2013.

The programme, which started in 2010, will culminate with the delivery and acceptance of the five SDL-SS systems that FMV has acquired to improve the ASW capacity of Visby class corvettes.

The SDL-SS system is part of the Sensor Data Link (SDL) system. The SDL system defines a new operational ASW solution through the coordinated use of two platforms, one of them installed on remote and elevated platforms (SDL-AS) installed on manned/unmanned air vehicles, and the other one is installed on surface platform (SDL-SS) such as the Visby corvettes.

The SDL system enables small combat ships (weighing 500t to 2000t) to actively participate in ASW missions, adding operational advantages due to the increased speed and easy manoeuvrability of these type of ships. In addition to this, the SDL system collaborates with network centric warfare (NCW) to implement different modes of communication:

  • Line of sight (LOS), to exchange tactical and intelligence data either with a Surface Platform SDL-SS (Surface-To-Surface communication – S2S mode) or with a distanced platform SDL-AS (Surface-To-Air communication – S2A mode).
  • Satellite (surface-to-satellite communication – SATCOM mode), to exchange tactical and intelligence data with distanced platforms beyond line of sight.

The SDL-SS system is complemented by the Airborne Segment Sensor Data Link system (SDL-AS). It should be noted that the HKP-15 helicopters of the Visby corvettes are equipped with the SDL-AS (Sensor Data Link – Airborne Segment) since 2008. Consequently, the FM has a complete SDL system.

SAES project manager said "It is a privilege to be part of a ship so advanced as the Visby Corvette. Thanks to the SDL system, FM is at the forefront of anti-submarine warfare (ASW)."