According to a PR published by Thales on February 29, 2024, the company, through its subsidiary Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC), has completed the delivery of the first CAPTAS-4 sonar system to the U.S. Navy, as part of the technological enhancements for the Constellation class frigates.
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Artist rendering of the CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar. (Picture source: Thales)
The CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar (VDS) has met all the required milestones ahead of its scheduled timeline. The system is now in the United States, ready to be installed on the first Constellation-class Frigate, FFG-62. Its delivery ahead of schedule reflects Thales' adherence to project timelines and its role in supplying naval defense technology.
The CAPTAS-4 system is recognized for its effectiveness in submarine detection and tracking during coalition exercises, designed to assist the new U.S. frigates in identifying, locating, classifying, and tracking stealth submarines. The on-time delivery of the first CAPTAS-4 variable-depth sonar transmitter aligns with the U.S. Navy's objectives for upgrading its fleet.
The delivery was completed on October 12, 2023. The contract includes the potential for up to eight additional CAPTAS-4 transmitters, with AAC planning to finish a new production facility in April at their site near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, for future systems.
The CAPTAS-4, part of the CAPTAS family of sonars, is noted for its operational effectiveness, having been tested extensively by the navies of France, Britain, and Italy among others.
In recent years, French frigates equipped with the CAPTAS-4 system have been recognized for their anti-submarine warfare capabilities, including receiving the Hook'Em Award for outstanding performance in coalition exercises.
