BlackFish and WhitePointer to be Integrated with Customer CMS

A leading European shipyard has selected DSIT Solutions to provide its ASW solutions for a new vessel construction programme destined for a NATO navy, the company announced on 23 February.

The contract calls for the supply and integration of an entire ASW sonar suite ‒ to include DSIT’s BlackFish hull-mounted sonar (HMS) and WhitePointer underwater communication system (UCS), plus an acoustic dome ‒ with the customer’s designated combat management system (CMS).

BlackFish is an advanced medium-frequency system designed for medium and large vessels in both littoral and deep-water ASW operations. It provides modern, sophisticated underwater search, detection, tracking and classification capabilities. Implementing cutting-edge electronic and acoustic technologies, machine learning, automation, and signal processing, BlackFish protects surface ships from submarines, moored mines, underwater obstacles and torpedoes. Its exceptionally high acoustic performance enables a high probability of detection, as well as long distance detection of submarines and approaching torpedoes. Open architecture allows easy integration with any existing C4I systems and other sensors.

WhitePointer enables reliable voice and data transmissions between surface vessels, submarines, and other underwater platforms, such as SDVs, DPVs, AUVs UUVs, and divers. The system, which includes a high-power synthesised transceiver, supports underwater communication networks with multiple users. Up to 30 frequencies can be programmed, and a unique monitoring feature enables the user to listen to any transmission occurring on NATO frequencies while operating the transceiver at a different frequency.

Hanan Marom, VP Business Development and Marketing, explained that “The high level of the system’s automation and its user-friendly interface enable the BlackFish HMS system to be run by a single operator, significantly reducing workload as well as training requirements. The package includes BlackFish as well as the underwater communication system, which will be installed together in a single dome.”