SAES Sonars, On-Board Systems and Antisubmarine Warfare Missions

SAES is an expert in the complex area of signal underwater processing, developing advanced technology for security and defence in marine environments.

A significant number of products developed by SAES have dual applications in the civil and defence markets, such as intruder detection sonar.

Founded in 1989, SAES is classified as a strategic national company through NAVANTIA, INDRA and THALES its shareholders.

Sonar and on-board systems: experts in underwater signal processing

SAES specialises in the study, design and manufacture of sonar systems and underwater technology for security and defence.

Our systems offer high-reliability, easy operation and low-maintenance costs and include:

• Intruder Detection Sonar. The high-frequency active sonar DDS-03 – Intruder Detection Sonar is designed to protect harbours, anchored vessels and critical infrastructure against underwater threats such as divers and underwater vehicles. DDS-03 can be integrated with any surveillance system
• Sonar Modernization. SOCILSUB allows incorporation of new and advanced signal processing algorithms to improve the sonar performances, keeping the same cylindrical array in the submarine’s bow
• Towed Array Sonar. SOLARSUB RDTAS is a reelable digital towed array sonar that provides a 360° detection range. It is simple to integrate with the combat system and easy-to-install on-board vessels
• Towed Array Handling Systems (TAHS) allow the reeling of the array onto a capstan located on the submarine
• Acoustic Classification. SICLA is a highly versatile system that can be integrated into any combat system, PC or laptop, and connected to any acoustic device such as sonars, sonobuoys and recorders
• Underwater Acoustic Propagation. SEAPROF is a complete sonar performance and prediction system that allow the evaluation of any sonar in any underwater environment: ray tracing, propagation losses and FOM
• Acoustic signature. ONMS is a self-noise monitoring system that provides automatic alerts
• Noise Producer System is a useful device for sea testing of sonars, as well as for hydrophone calibration
• SVB is a monitoring and surveillance system to control of the operating parameters of batteries, essential to increasing their lifespan

ASW systems for aircraft and surface vessels

SPAS – Sonobuoy Processing Acoustic Systems

ASW systems are based on sonobuoys for Maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), helicopter and surface vessels.

Building on more than 25 years of expertise in acoustic processing, SAES has developed and manufactured a complete family of Sonobuoy Processing Acoustic Systems (SPAS) that covers both Air and Naval ASW operations.

SPAS is capable of processing up to 64 passive and active sonobuoys simultaneously, including the most advanced digital sonobuoys:

• SPAS – Sonobuoy Processing System
• DSAP – Digital Sonobuoy Processing System
• SPAS-SV – Sonobuoy Processing System for Surface Vessels

Ground systems

To support SPAS systems in ASW operations, SAES provides ground systems for post-mission analysis and training such as:

• TAT – Tactical Acoustic Trainer for training and coaching of Acoustic Operators
• FTAS – Fast Time Analyser System, allows to analyse the acoustic and tactical data (STANAG 4283 Annex C Ed. 5 Compliant) recorded during the ASW mission
• SICLA ASW – Classification System

ROASW – Remote Operation ASW System

Always looking for new solutions, SAES has developed the ROASW – Remote Operation ASW System, a new concept that meets the new requirements of the ASW missions. Benefits include:

• Digital sonobuoys which increase the effectiveness of the ASW system
• Small footprint, less weight and low-maintenance (LRU approach) Collaboration in network-centric warfare (NCW), allowing the sharing of tactical and intelligence information between the resources deployed in the ASW mission
• Use of both manned / unmanned air vehicles

Prioritize the use of smaller and faster combat ships (LCS, OPC, Corvettes, FAC) able to share tactical and intelligence information.

Advanced technology for electronics and underwater acoustics

In order to provide the navy and allied countries with the most advanced technology for electronics and underwater acoustics to meet new challenges in security and protection, SAES offer complete solutions in the following areas:

• Underwater signature measurements: MIRS – Multi-influence Range System, DEWARS – Deep Water Acoustic Range System, SET-200/P – Underwater Electric Potential Sensor, ACINT & SIGINT
• Naval mines: MINEA – Moored, Shallow Water and Cylindrical Bottom Mines, MILA – Limpet Naval Mines
• Maritime security and environmental protection: SIDIS – Integral Security System, DDS-03 – Intruder Detection Sonar, DES – Underwater Deterrent System, SAR – Smart Acoustic Recorder, SIMOAC – Acoustic Monitoring System
• Simulation and training: Submarine Tactical Simulator, Naval Tactical Simulator, SIM/STIM – Sonar Simulator/Stimulator
• Engineering services and maintenance: Technical and engineering services on underwater technology area and ASW, from design phases up to maintenance and customer support as well the training of personnel