Thales awarded sonar contract for Astute Boat 5
Thales will supply the sonar system to BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, the prime contractor for the Astute-class build, to be fitted to the submarine at the shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness.
Under the terms of the contract Thales will supply a complete sonar system, comprising both inboard and outboard of the bow, fin, intercept and flank arrays, and the associated inboard processing.
Thales has now been contracted to supply Sonar 2076 and other equipment for the first five boats – Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious and Anson.
The Astute-class platform is also fitted with a significant number of other Thales sensors and systems, including two non-hull penetrating CM010 optronic masts, which together with Sonar 2076, effectively provide the submarine with its ‘eyes and ears’.
Thales also supplies the UAP4 electronic support measures (ESM) system, which has two multi-function antenna arrays mounted on the masts. These are designed to monitor the electronic environment around the submarine, to provide situational awareness of other platforms equipped with radar systems operating in the area.
Other Thales equipment includes the ECB680 communications and SEEPIRB emerg-ency beacon buoys and an ultra-high frequency satellite communications antenna.
Ian Hawkes, Head of Combat Systems, BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, said: “BAE Systems is pleased to award Thales UK with this important contract for the sonar system for the fifth Astute-class submarine, Anson. Placing this contract continues a well established and enduring relationship with Thales UK, and reflects the confidence BAE Systems has in Sonar 2076 and the support Thales has provided on the Astute class and earlier submarine programmes.”
Phil Naybour, head of Thales UK’s naval business said: “This latest contract demonstrates that we are a trusted partner of BAE Systems and is a significant milestone for the company and the UK submarine enterprise.
“It reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams in Cheadle and Templecombe, and also the support and cooperation we have received from BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence.”
