Royal Navy introduces innovative new anti-torpedo technology

[J-10]

Royal Navy introduces innovative new anti-torpedo technology
2005-01-28 06:35:00

An innovative UK-developed anti-torpedo system, which aims to protect ships from underwater torpedo attack, has entered service with the Royal Navy, the MOD has said.

And with some careful project management, and the use of 'smart' procurement practices, the project is expected to beat its original estimated cost by around £5million.

Called Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD), the system includes highly sensitive acoustic sensors, which are towed some distance behind a ship and can identify and pin-point the location of an incoming torpedo.

Developed by Middlesex based Ultra Electronics, SSTD will not only warn a ships Commanding Officer of any incoming threat, but will also advise the best course of action, from manoeuvring the ship away from danger to deploying acoustic decoys - also part of the SSTD system - which will lure a torpedo away from its original target.

The 65million SSTD project will see up to 65 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels are being prepared to receive SSTD. Sixteen sets of the equipment are being procured which can be easily transferred between ships and will be fitted to appropriate vessels when they deploy on operations or exercise.

The first SSTD kit has been fitted to Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster.

Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement said: "This is another wonderful example of UK engineering leading the way. We are now protecting our ships with the very best torpedo defences in the world - and have been able to save around 5 million on the original estimated cost thanks to careful management and employing 'smart' procurement principles.

"Torpedo attack remains a significant threat to our vessels, particularly with the proliferation of quiet submarines around the world. This system is the very best of its kind and establishes UK industry as a world leader in this field of technology."

SSTD is expected to provide the fleet with protection from torpedo attack for the next 25 years. Up to Sixty-five RN ships and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships, ranging from frigates to Invincible class aircraft carriers and auxiliary oilers are to be fitted to receive SSTD with all equipment delivered over the next two years. SSTD will replace the existing Sonar 2070 system.

SSTD is managed by the Torpedo Countermeasures Integrate Project Team, based at the Defence Procurement Agency, Abbey Wood, Bristol. http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2365

[EsoognomEhT]

And with some careful project management, and the use of cheapskate backdoor procurement practices, the project is expected to beat its original estimated cost by around £5million.

[EsoognomEhT]

Navy’s Most Advanced Frigate Joins the Fleet

HMS Westminster, which has emerged from refit as the Royal Navy’s most advanced frigate, formally re-joins the fleet in a ceremony in Portsmouth on Thursday (Jan 27).

The ship underwent an extensive upgrade during 12 months in Rosyth and is the first warship to get the Sonar 2087 system which will help the Navy to better detect ‘stealthy’ seaborne threats, including submarines and mini-submarines.

She was also fitted with an advanced new torpedo defence system, a new computerised navigational system and equipment that allows her to operate the potent new Merlin helicopter.

Westminster will be rededicated in the Naval Base during a service conducted by The Reverend Monsignor Richard Madders, the Navy’s Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain.

Principal guest Lady Sally Livesay, who launched the ship on the Tyne in 1992, will arrive in style on a horse-drawn carriage provided by the Household Cavalry Regiment – the ship’s affiliate Army unit. She will be joined by the Duke of Westminster, who maintains a keen interest in his namesake ship’s activities.

During the ceremony Lady Livesay will inspect a parade comprising most of the 174 ship’s company.

Westminster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Andrew Bretton, said: “The ship is now at the cutting edge of technology and ready to face uncertain challenges ahead with a range of impressive new capabilities and a ship’s company ready, willing and able to do their duty. HMS Westminster represents a great investment for the future of our nation.”

Music during the 45-minute ceremony will be provided by the Royal Marines’ Band, Portsmouth.

Westminster will continue her operational sea training for the next few months in UK waters and will then be ready to deploy anywhere in the world.

[LordHalbert]

I didn't read the whole article but simply warning a ship of a torpedo is not enough. It' cetainly better than not knowing. Today's torpedos are of course guided and even if they miss the first time, they may still be able to loop around and hit the target. What would be really useful is a anti-torpedo torpedo :)

[samjung23]

My scientific solution to the torpedo problem would be to give every ship VTOL capability, enabling them to fly and escape the water, thus escaping the torpedo.

Genius huh?

[Stolly]

I didn't read the whole article but simply warning a ship of a torpedo is not enough. It' cetainly better than not knowing. Today's torpedos are of course guided and even if they miss the first time, they may still be able to loop around and hit the target. What would be really useful is a anti-torpedo torpedo :)

Hence the decoys it releases i guess ;)

[Malc]

Lifting a 20,000lb warship piece of cake :D

[Trigger]

I didn't read the whole article but simply warning a ship of a torpedo is not enough. It' cetainly better than not knowing. Today's torpedos are of course guided and even if they miss the first time, they may still be able to loop around and hit the target. What would be really useful is a anti-torpedo torpedo :)
I'm not an expert on Royal Navy equipment or technology, but the stuff this article describes has been on U.S. warships for a loooooong time.

Towed Sonar? old.

Torpedo detection? All you need is a bearing. Even the oldest sonar systems can provide a bearing to high speed, noisy torps. It's coming at you, very fast, from that direction. Speed up and start turning.

Acoustic decoys? old.

'Guided' torpedo is a bit of a misnomer. It's not quite as easy as a video game. Plus once you (sub) fire, you better haul ass, because every one just heard you. When you 'haul ass' those little wires attached to your torp get broken...and most modern torpedos are programmed to circle (or dive, or zig-zag, or tap-dance) if they lose track.
:)

[CG51]

if things get out of hand...nuclear depthcharges (dropped from planes of course)... ;)

[Trigger]

if things get out of hand...nuclear depthcharges (dropped from planes of course)... ;)
Nuclear Depth Charge? old. :lol:

...but seriously, they went out of fashion in the '60s. Take a look:

On 11 May 1962 a live nuclear-armed ASROC was fired to evaluate to effects of the blast on the launching ship.
ASROC (http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/r-5.html) Anti-Submarine ROCket.

[EsoognomEhT]

I'm not an expert on Royal Navy equipment or technology, but the stuff this article describes has been on U.S. warships for a loooooong time.


:roll:

[Trigger]

I'm not an expert on Royal Navy equipment or technology, but the stuff this article describes has been on U.S. warships for a loooooong time.


:roll:
I don't understand the ' :roll: '
I wasn't trying to slam Royal Navy stuff, I was pointing out that the equipment mentioned in the article is not that 'new'.

Try not to take it personally. :)

[Migman]

I'm not an expert on Royal Navy equipment or technology, but the stuff this article describes has been on U.S. warships for a loooooong time.


Russian Navy has had it for a loooooooong time as well. :P

[EsoognomEhT]

As has ours. These are merely new versions

[cut]

I'm not an expert on Royal Navy equipment or technology, but the stuff this article describes has been on U.S. warships for a loooooong time.


:roll:
I don't understand the ' :roll: '
I wasn't trying to slam Royal Navy stuff, I was pointing out that the equipment mentioned in the article is not that 'new'.

Try not to take it personally. :)

it's new for us, stop being a bitch :P

[GazB]

Lifting a 20,000lb warship piece of cake

hehehehe... a bit light don't you think? A decent destroyer runs at about 6-8,000 tons, or 6-8,000,000,000kgs ...2.2lbs to 1kg.

Anti torpedoes are already in Russian service, as a re anti torpedo rockets and anti torpedo depth charges. (ie torpedoes and rockets especially designed to engage torpedo targets).

[gaz]

hehehehe... a bit light don't you think? A decent destroyer runs at about 6-8,000 tons, or 6-8,000,000,000kgs ...2.2lbs to 1kg.


One metric tonne (Or 1.016 imperial tons) is one thousand kilograms so where'd the extra three zeros come from?

[Laworkerbee]

I always thought the Brits had the best ASW fleet in the world

I still do p-)

[GazB]

One metric tonne (Or 1.016 imperial tons) is one thousand kilograms so where'd the extra three zeros come from?

Oops make that 6-8,000,000kgs.

[mmackem]

I'm not an expert on Royal Navy equipment or technology, but the stuff this article describes has been on U.S. warships for a loooooong time.

Towed Sonar? old.

Torpedo detection? All you need is a bearing. Even the oldest sonar systems can provide a bearing to high speed, noisy torps. It's coming at you, very fast, from that direction. Speed up and start turning.

Acoustic decoys? old.

I think the point is that the SSTD system is a generation newer than existing torpedo defence systems such as the far less capable US AN/SLQ-25 Nixie.

Towed sonars and acoustic decoys have also been deployed on RN ships for a very long time, but SSTD is the new system that will replace the existing technology.

The Royal Navy has been using towed sonars since the 1950's and acoustic decoys since WWII, who do you think invented them. :)

The RN is still light years ahead of any other navy's in surface ASW capability.

[lastdingo]

The Royal Navy has been using towed sonars since the 1950's and acoustic decoys since WWII, who do you think invented them. :)

Acoustic decoys? The Germans. Our subs had much more trouble with ultrasound detection & ranging than the thommy surface ships. ;)

[gaz]

One metric tonne (Or 1.016 imperial tons) is one thousand kilograms so where'd the extra three zeros come from?

Oops make that 6-8,000,000kgs.

Don't worry about it, I once took an engineering exam and kept getting a completely outlandish answer for one question. I eventually realised that I'd converted 12 metres into 1200 milimeters.