Complementary Solutions for Existing Hull- and Bow-Mounted Systems

At Pacific 2019 DSIT Solutions, a subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, will launch its new SwordFih towed array sonar (TAS), designed for submarine detection and tracking at various depths.

Designed for a variety of missions, SwordFish is suitable for use on vessels of various sizes, including frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels (OPV) and other small vessels. It complements DSIT’s BlackFish hull-mounted sonar (HMS) system: when used close to the shoreline as a standalone solution, all DSIT’s sonar systems can now be operated via one onshore control station.

DSIT’s Fish anti-submarine warfare (ASW) family is capable of underwater target search, detection, tracking and classification in passive, active and parallel modes. Each sonar system includes machine learning technologies for automation of algorithms and reduction of operator workload or knowledge requirement. Designed to operate with the medium frequency of both the BlackFish HMS and bow-mounted sonar (BMS) in littoral and deep-water ASW operations, the low-frequency SwordFish TAS is the latest solution to join the family.

The SwordFish TAS system is connected to the vessel’s stern via a light winch, the cable length of which is determined by mission type and requirements. The lightweight TAS system, with its low deck signature, is suitable for surface vessels of various sizes, even small vessels such as fast patrol craft (FPC).

“We identified the operational need to locate and track submarines at various depths and in different mission environments, including when using small vessels for either offshore or green waters missions,” commented Hanan Marom, VP Business Development & Marketing at DSIT. “SwordFish TAS is designed as a complementary system to the BlackFish HMS and BMS to meet the requirements of a wider range of missions.”

Other DSIT solutions that will be displayed at Pacific 2019 include the SeaShield Underwater Coastal Surveillance System – a long-range underwater passive and active detection system, warning against underwater and abovewater targets including submarines, semisubmersible vehicles and surface ships; AquaShield – an advanced diver detection sonar (DDS) system; and PointShield – a portable and/or stationary PDDS for medium-range ship or asset protection.