Upgrades to the Spherion B sonar processing systems in the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates under SEA 1408 Phase 2 is almost complete.
Upgrades to the Spherion B sonar processing systems in the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates under SEA 1408 Phase 2 is almost complete.
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Post Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade frigates HMA ships Anzac, right, and Arunta have both undergone the Broadband Sonar Advanced Processing System upgrade. The ships are seen here at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia. (Picture source: Royal Australian Navy)
The SEA 1408 Phase 2 replaced the existing sonar processing system with the sovereign designed Broadband Sonar Advanced Processing System (BSAPS) while still utilising the existing Spherion B Hull Mounted Sonar Wet End.
The BSAPS was jointly developed in a collaboration between Defence Science and Technology (DST), Saab Australia, BAE Systems and Thales Australia.
The BSAPS replaces the ‘ship build’ fitted sonar processing system which was supplied to Anzac Class Frigates as part of the original build program in the 1990s.
Responding to the emerging threat situation, a requirement was identified for a system that was more suited to modern submarine and torpedo threats expected to emerge over the lifespan of the Anzac Class Frigate - to date, six of the eight Anzac Class Frigates have been upgraded.
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) prepares to conduct an underway replenishment during Rim of the Pacific 2016. (Picture source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline)
Among the many advantages offered by the SEA 1408 Phase 2 are a significant improvement in sonar passive capability, a greater level of sonar and Combat Management System integration, improved levels of sonar functionality and significant improvements in equipment reliability.
The new sonar system has been integrated with the 9LV Combat Management System and had been successfully demonstrated at sea over a number of years.
This technology has delivered a significantly advanced anti-submarine warfare and torpedo self-defence capability to Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates and provides Navy with one of the most advanced, sovereign Hull Mount Sonar capabilities in the world, providing exceptional underwater awareness for our frigates.
