SS2030 and SD9500 Ideally Suited for Shallow-Water Operations

Kongsberg Maritime AS Sensor & Robotics has received a contract from Saab to deliver its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and diver detection sonars for the POHJANMAA-class corvettes being developed for the Finnish Navy’s ‘Squadron 2020’ programme, the company announced on 15 April.

Under the 100MNOK (€8.7 million) contract, Kongsberg will supply its SS2030 and SD9500 sonar systems, both of which boast acoustic properties making them ideally suited for deployment in shallow-water environments such as the Baltic.

The SS2030, principally devised for ASW operations and capable of detecting torpedoes or other small objects in the water column, is an active hull-mounted sonar which features sophisticated tracking algorithms. Its electronically-stabilised transmitting and receiving beams can be tilted to adjust to challenging sound speed profiles; its integrated Sound Propagation Model determines the optimal tilt settings and enhances the probability of detection (PoD) ratio. The SS2030 sonars will be delivered to the Finnish Navy complete with hoist-able hull units and ice protection, to ensure safe and efficient operation in the often harsh conditions of the Baltic Sea.

The SD9500, meanwhile, is a light, compact over-the-side dipping sonar with outstanding horizontal and vertical positioning capabilities for diver detection, ASW duties and volumetric survey assignments in shallow, reverberation-limited waters.

Commenting on how the contract further cements the company’s position as a principal supplier of shallow-water ASW, dive detection and mine-hunting equipment, Director of Sales Thomas H Dahle stated “The armed forces, as with all defence industries, have to rely upon the most advanced technology available in order to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, and this new naval contract is another resounding testimony to the deep level of trust the Kongsberg brand has accumulated over our many successful years of trading.”