Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Ultra Electronics installs first S2150 Hull Mount Sonar on Type 23 frigate HMS Portland

Defence

Ultra Electronics installs first S2150 Hull Mount Sonar on Type 23 frigate HMS Portland

HMS Portland becomes the first ship to be fitted with Ultra’s next generation Hull Mounted Sonar Type 2150 as part of a wider refit to the Royal Navy’s frigates.


Courtesy Ultra Electronics

The sonar has been designed by Ultra Electronics Command & Sonar Systems and will replace the legacy Sonar Type 2050, which has been in Royal Navy service since the 1990s. The new sonar incorporates a state of the art User Interface to improve operator effectiveness and usability.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The digital control of the outboard array minimises interference, reduces ships cabling, maximises reliability and extends array maintenance intervals to at least five years. The sonar will be fitted to eight of the Royal Navy Type 23 frigates. Ultra has also been awarded the contract to supply this sonar to the first three Royal Navy Type 26 frigates currently under construction.

As part of Ultra’s ‘Sea Searcher’ sonar range, Ultra has also developed two smaller and lighter weight variants of the Type 2150 Hull Mount Sonar for naval vessels up to 1,000 tonnes and 2,000 tonnes respectively.

With state-of-the art in-board processing and innovative user displays, this family of sonar systems provides a potent Anti-Submarine Warfare capability for patrol vessels, frigates and other vessels worldwide.

Mike Williams, Managing Director of Ultra Electronics Command & Sonar Systems commented: “Reaching this significant milestone has been key for Ultra. With a number of significant changes from the Sonar 2050 system it replaces, the project team has designed and developed a system that simplifies user operability and significantly reduces life cycle costs and in board footprint. They have truly excelled themselves”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB