The UK Royal Navy has awarded a contract to Ultra Electronics’ Sonar Systems division to support the Sonar 2050 Technology Refresh (S2050TR) programme.
To be executed over the next ten years, the £27m contract will see the company deliver and support new hull-mounted sonars for integration on the navy’s eight Type-23 frigates.
The S2050TR programme aims to deliver an improved sonar capability to the navy, which will provide persistent surveillance against submarine and torpedo threats.
Ultra chief executive Rakesh Sharma said: "I am very pleased that Ultra has been awarded the Sonar 2050 Technology Refresh contract.
"This is a significant opportunity and it demonstrates Ultra’s continuing ability to supply and support cutting-edge sonar systems to the Royal Navy."
In addition, Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems is set to begin deliveries of two Sea Sentor surface ship torpedo defence (SSTD) systems for Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) frigates, as part of a $18m contract to support the RNZN frigate systems upgrade (FSU) programme.
The towed-arrays form a key acoustic sensor for Sea Sentor, which is used to detect, classify and localise approaching torpedoes and to activate countermeasures.
The SSTD system provides a single in-line towed-array platform, which uses a passive tow for detection, classification and localisation of the threat posed by approaching torpedoes launched from a hostile submarine.
Integrating a flexible towed-body countermeasure, it will be able to attract and jam all torpedo types, including wake-homing torpedoes. Optional launchers can also provide additional expendable countermeasures.
