General Dynamics [GD] has completed its largest and most successful Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) with Defence Research and Development Canada Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic), demonstrating a torpedo-defense enhancement that will enhance protection for Canadian Navy ships, the company said.
The Multisensor Torpedo Detection Classification and Localization (MSTDCL) TDP was initiated in 2006 by DRDC Atlantic to develop and demonstrate advanced concepts in multisensor automated torpedo warning for the Halifax-class patrol frigates. As the prime contractor, General Dynamics supported DRDC Atlantic by providing analysis, design, development, installation and support to develop a prototype underwater warfare system called Pleiades.
During the five-year TDP, the Pleiades system was used in realistic operational trials on Halifax-class patrol frigates to respond to more than 100 live torpedo firings. “The Pleiades system has demonstrated that with modern hardware and software architecture, we can provide processing and displays that make it possible for the sonar operator to detect and classify real torpedoes at useful operational ranges. Even without any change to the underwater sensors, Pleiades greatly outperformed the combined capabilities of existing Halifax-class sonars,” said Mark Trevorrow of DRDC Atlantic.
General Dynamics is the original manufacturer of the antisubmarine sonar systems currently used by the patrol frigates.