Cost-Effective ASW Training Capabilities
GeoSpectrum Technologies (GTI), a Nova Scotia-based wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, will launch its a Multipurpose Autonomous Sub-Surface Training Target (MASTT) system on the Elbit booth at CANSEC in Ottawa, 29-30 May.
Cost and technical capacity impede modern anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, as it often involves the operation either of real submarines or training targets which feature limited transmitting capacity. MASTT enables a true to life, cost effective training experience in detecting and tracking submarines.
The system emulates submarines of all types, in a variety of operating modes. It can replicate a submarines’ acoustic signature, in which mode it will transmit fixed frequencies, either independently or when triggered by a received acoustic signal. Moreover, it can retransmit a synthetic echo of received acoustic signals while incorporating a Doppler shift, increasing or decreasing sound intensity with distance. Unlike most existing systems, these capabilities are available in both medium- and low-frequency bands. Answering the need for true to life training, MASTT can operate in different running modes depicting standard submarine movement: moving in a straight line on a fixed course, speed or depth; moving in a zig zag pattern with course alterations; a near stationary mode; and multiple course, speed and depth alterations.
Less than 3m in length and a little over 32cm in diameter, MASTT is suited for storage on a Mk 46 Mod 5 torpedo rack for quick launch and recovery as well as user friendly deployment for surface ship crew. MASTT is equipped with rechargeable batteries, providing a minimum of 8h operational endurance at 4 kts cruising speed, with only 3-4h charging time. Offering considerable savings in both size and maintenance costs, MASTT provides operators with a true to life, flexible training experience in the detection and tracking of submarines.
“The MASTT training system provides operators the opportunity to cope with real-life scenarios at a fraction of the cost while contributing to the development of new ASW tactics. MASTT joins the GTI portfolio of advanced sub-surface acoustic systems serving the defence, homeland security, oil and gas and environmental sectors,” commented GTI President, Paul Yeatman.
