A new cylindrical array sonar system designed to equip the Spanish Navy’s S-80 Class diesel electric submarines has been tested by Lockheed Martin at the US Navy’s underwater test facility in New York.

The cylindrical array is the principle acoustic sensor for submerged operations which consists of a unique hydrophone configuration for each platform.

Lockheed Martin International submarines and coastal systems programme management director Al Simpson said that the technology ushers in a new and important capability for diesel-electric submarines.

“These successful tests are important milestones towards satisfying key deliveries for the S-80 submarine programme and also provide substantial risk mitigation prior to installation on the actual submarine,” he said.