Airborne maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare evolves

The latest generation of the AMASCOS airborne mission system is part of the ‘The Force Multiplier’ ISR special mission platform based on the Bombardier Dash-8 Q300, which is promoted by PAL Aerospace, Thales and CarteNav Solutions. © PAL Aerospace/Thales

By Luca Peruzzi

The continuous expansion of the submarines threat as well as the complexity of littoral warfare are pushing industries and customers towards more sophisticated airborne mission suite solutions with reduced size, weight and power (SWaP), capable to be accommodated and networked on a wide range of both manned and unmanned aerial platforms to accomplish distributed maritime operations. The trend towards business jet-based special mission and unmanned platforms, and the expansion of multi-mission requirements, together with more capable rotary-wing mission suites are driving the market, this analysis trying to provide a general overview of major systems development.

Airborne Mission Systems

Thales is proposing the AMASCOS which has evolved though its previous iterations towards a new generation mission management system, employing state-of-the-art technologies in terms of human machine interface (HMI) and mission data management. In service in previous versions on board different airborne platforms, the Thales suite is currently offered, according to customers needs, in an advanced configuration which has been integrated on ‘The Force Multiplier’,

The latest iteration of the ATOS airborne mission system, devoted for the specific customer to maritime surveillance, is in service with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza customs service. © Leonardo

an on-demand, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) special mission platform based on the Bombardier Dash-8 Q300, being promoted by PAL Aerospace, Thales and CarteNav Solutions. At the heart of the new configuration we find the innovative operator station based on two wide-area multifunction colour touchscreens; it is particularly user-friendly thanks to easy-tolearn interactive modes. The system makes maximum use of the latest display technologies and is linked to the latest generation of sensors, including radar, ESM, communications, sonobuoy processing and electro-optical systems, being built around a tactical command system. Based on a modular architecture, the network centric system can be configured to optimize the crew task sharing for either a full-capable ASW and/or ASuW suite which typically employs up to five consoles or a lightweight version for surveillance tasks with a reduced number of operator stations.

Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) proven airborne mission system has been sold to six international customers in addition to the Italian Air Force, Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza. Available in various configurations and already in operation on-board more than 10 different aircraft and helicopter types, with more than 60 systems installed on platforms including the ATR 42MP and ATR 72MP, DA-62 MSA, Dash-8, Beechcraft King Air 350, Casa CN-235, Piaggio Aero P-166, A-109, AW-139, AW-169, Bell 412 and AS-300B3 helicopters, the ATOS modular and open architecture allows the suite to perform highly demanding surveillance missions such as ASW and ASuW, in addition to support the inclusion of additional capabilities and extra operator consoles. The HMI and sensor integration has been carefully designed to minimize the operator workload while increasing the situational awareness during the mission. The ATOS suite comes in three main baseline configurations managing an increasingly extended suite of sensors, respectively devoted to rotarywing applications and based on a single operator console, short and medium range aircraft with one or two multifunction consoles (MFC) with two large colour screens, and long range platforms, the latter equipped with four or more MFCs and capable to manage ASuW, ASW and ISR missions. ATOS modularity and open architecture allowed

Airbus has recently successfully concluded a flight test campaign of its FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System) mission system that features a new capability enabling it to be remotely operated by ground-based crews. © Airbus

Leonardo to develop an ‘Ultra Light’ version for unmanned applications while HMI developments include 27-inch touchscreen displays that further enhance the suite capabilities.

Airbus has recently successfully concluded a flight test campaign of its FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System) mission system that features a new capability enabling it to be remotely operated by ground-based crews. The FITS has been developed and continuously updated by Airbus for its family of tactical transport aircraft in the maritime surveillance, ASuW/ASW and ISR versions or new widebody platforms, including C-212, CN-235, C-295 and third party airframes such as the P-3. The latest system iteration, called Next Generation FITS includes new dual-screen consoles with large 24-inch high-definition displays that greatly enhance situational awareness, a new tactile interface for intuitive operations, and faster and more powerful system processors allowing for shorter start-up and booting sequences, reduced mission data up/download times, and higher reliability rates. During the campaign carried out in April in southern Spain, with a manufacturer C-295 ISR testbed equipped with a Collins avionics package, Airbus said the aircraft performed standard maritime patrol missions with all sensors controlled in near real time by a mission operator based at a ground station at Airbus’ Getafe site. During tests, the ground operator’s situational awareness was complete, sharing the same set of tools and apps available in onboard FITS workstations, transforming the COMMOMISS ground station into an effective additional operator’s node.

Surface sensors

Elta of Israel, part of Israel Aerospace Industries, proposes its family of ELM-2022 radars. In service with a range of customers and platforms including P-3 Orion, B-737, C-130J, Challenger, Q-400, C-295 and C-235, Do-228, Heron, Aerostat and AS-365, the ELM-2022 is a combat-proven family of long-range airborne multimode maritime surveillance radars operating in the X-band, characterized by modular hardware, flexible interfaces and antenna design, enabling it to be installed on a wide range of platforms. In addition to the ELM-2022 versions for fixed- and rotary-wing and unmanned platforms, Elta is offering two more versions. The ELM-2022ML lightweight version is designed for reduced size, weight and power (SWaP) and consists of two LRUs located directly behind the antenna, with a total weight of 54 kg and 1.1 kW power consumption. The ELM-2022ES features an AESA antenna, provides enhanced performances and capabilities and weighs 95 kg weight with a 3.2 kW power consumption. With a maximum detection range of up to 200 nautical miles, the family of ELM 2022 radars provides detection and automatic tracking of small targets in adverse sea conditions, range profile, ISAR and CSAR classification modes, with automatic classification to

In addition to the ELM-2022 multirole surveillance radar versions for fixed- and rotary-wing and unmanned platforms, Elta is offering both the ELM-2022ML model for SwaP requirements and ELM2022ES with AESA antenna and advanced capabilities. © Elta/IAI

Thales Searchmaster AESA multirole surveillance radar found national and international success, and is promoted as part of ‘The Force Multiplier’ special mission aircraft. © Quentin Reytinas/Thales

Leveraging on hundreds of Seaspray AESA radars in service with operators around the world on a variety of platforms, Leonardo offers the V2 version including processor and receiver developments within new generation Osprey compact radar. © Leonardo

class of ships (ISAR library), strip and spot SAR imaging and GMTI for ISR missions support, together with an integrated IFF/AIS/ADSB system.

In service with the French Navy’s Dassault Aviation ATL2 modernized platforms (standard 6) and recently selected by the same customer for the new Albatros Maritime Surveillance and Intervention (AVISMAR) programme based on the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000LXS modified business aircraft, the Thales Searchmaster airborne multirole surveillance radar has found international success having been selected by an undisclosed foreign operator for a business aircraft integration, while being promoted as part of The Force Multiplier special mission aircraft. Equipped with an AESA antenna employing GaN technology transmitter/receiver modules (TRM) and radar technologies derived from the Rafale combat aircraft mission suite, the X-band Searchmaster features a lightweight and modular design based on a 360° rotating antenna and back-end including three LRUs for a 78 kg total weight and a typical power consumption of 1.92 kW. Featuring multi RF channels for high accuracy tracking, digital beamforming generation and highest throughput COTS-based processor, the ITAR free Searchmaster offers high-quality maritime and coastal tactical picture, maritime imaging modes available in all sea conditions, dedicated non-Doppler and Doppler modes for detection of small targets in all sea-conditions, GMTI mode for detection of slow and fast moving land vehicles, very wide area imaging modes (64 Megapixels) up to very high resolution, longer range air target detection and tracking, and up to 1,000 simultaneous tracks applicable to all target detection modes.

Leveraging on more than 500 Seaspray radar systems centered on a GaAs technology AESA antenna delivered to operators around the world on a variety of platforms, ranging from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to fast patrol boats, Leonardo is also offering the new V2 variant of its Seaspray 7000E and 7500E models, together with the new generation Osprey compact AESA radar, as well as the conventional Gabbiano airborne surveillance radar family. The new V2 variant of the Seaspray family leverages processor and receiver technologies from the new generation Osprey solution, further enhancing Seaspray performances particularly in the maritime environment, where the radar’s small target detection mode continues to stand out as a major differentiator, according to Leonardo. Already under cooperative integration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GAASI) on the MQ-9B Predator B in the maritime-

In addition to versions for fixed- and rotary-wing applications, the Gabbiano multirole surveillance radar family includes the Ultra Light TS 20 model developed for reduced SWaP applications, such as small unmanned platforms like Leonardo AWHero and Falco Evo. © Leonardo The latest addition to the multi-mission surveillance radar sector comes from Hensoldt’s new family of PrecISR radars, which features the latest achievements in AESA technology and SWaP requirements. © Hensoldt

Teledyne FLIR offers its family of new Star Safire 380 imaging systems which provide superior image stabilization, ultra-long range imaging performance and exploit Star Safire 380X advanced image-processing aiding features. © Teledyne FLIR

optimized SeaGuardian configuration, the Seaspray 7500E V2 radar modes are implemented through software within the new processor, allowing for enhancements to GMTI, Sport/Strip SAR, ISAR and air-surveillance modes while processor developments increase significantly the number of tracked targets. Already installed on a variety of manned fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned platforms in service with 23 worldwide customers, the Gabbiano X-band multi-mode/multi-mission family of radars with fully coherent solid state transmitter, currently includes the NG TS-20 (3 LRU configuration), the Ultra Light TS-80 (2 LRU configuration) with respectively 20 and 80 W average transmitted power, and the Ultra Light TS-20 (2 LRU with 20 W) versions. While the former two are devoted mainly to fixed and rotary-wing manned and unmanned platforms with both nose-mounted or belly-mounted antennas of different sizes, the Gabbiano Ultra Light TS 20 was developed for reduced SWaP applications, such as small unmanned platforms like Leonardo AWHero and Falco Evo. The ITAR free Gabbiano family offers the full range of sea search modes including high sea state surveillance, ISAR, TWS, MTI and sea target classification, ground search modes including high-resolution modes (Spot SAR and Strip SAR) granting sub-meter resolution over wide swath areas, long-range GMTI as well as air-to-air, weather and navigation modes.

The latest addition to the multi-mission surveillance radar sector comes from the Hensoldt’s new family of PrecISR radars. According to the German group, the new product translates the latest achievements in AESA technology into a low SWaP high-performance and scalable radar, designed for a wide range of airborne platforms including UAVs, helicopters as well as special mission aircraft. The X-band software-defined radar family features the latest scalable GaN AESA antenna design, which can fit different platforms, providing an instrumented range up to 200 nautical miles, SAR modes up to ultra-high resolution (30 cm) and state-of-the art moving target indication. The PrecISR 1000 rotating gimbal version radar has passed factory acceptance tests last November, according to Hensoldt, for its launch customer QinetiQ Gmbh and installation on a modified Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for special mission operations.

L3Harris promotes its family of Wescam MX-15 imaging systems, which support seven payload simultaneously and employ Wescam Video Engine (WAVE) and MX-GEO software suite. © L3Harris Wescam Safran Electronics & Defense new generation EuroFlir 410 imaging system provides ultra-long range observation and precision targeting capabilities thanks to up to ten sensors. © Safran Electronics & Defense

Electro-optical

Elbit systems offers the combat proven, ultra-long range Spectro XR multispectral imaging system that provides 20” payload performance in a 15” payload package. © Elbit Systems

US main manufacturers of EO/IR imaging systems continue to hold the international market but European and Israeli producers launched new products. The trend in imaging systems is to balance dimensions, weight, multi-spectral and geo-location capabilities to provide a system that can be hosted by a variety of platforms and provide a full range of sensors including high-definition MWIR imager, daylight, lowlight and SWIR cameras, and multi laser payload options to provide 24/7 imaging and targeting. Latest technologies trends allow to introduce artificial intelligence, virtual reality and HMI through mainly software and firmware to further enhance ‘situational understanding’. Teledyne FLIR offers its family of new Star Safire 380 gimbal systems. The baseline Star Safire 380-HD provides superior image stabilization, ultra-long range imaging performance, and true metadata embedded in the digital video. Exploiting the new Star Safire 380X advanced image-processing aiding features package, the system is fully hardened for military fixed-wing and helicopter operations. It can work continuously in all conditions - even while sitting on the tarmac with no airflow. L3Harris promotes its family of Wescam MX-15 imaging systems, supporting seven payload items simultaneously. With 4-axis stabilization and solid-state IMU together with Wescam Advanced Video Engine (WAVE) and MX-GEO software suite, the MX-15 features advanced images processing and high target location accuracy. Leonardo has successfully sold on the national and international markets its new LEOSS (Long Range Electro Optical Surveillance System) EO/IR imaging system. Capable to accommodate up to seven payloads, the 4-axis gyro-stabilized system features a single LRU turret with embedded computer and IMU/GPS for state-of-the-art performance. Safran Electronics & Defense has successfully introduced the new-generation combat-proven Euroflir 410 system for applications ranging from fixed- to rotary-wing, UAVs and Aerostats. Already in service with NH-90 and AS-565 platforms and selected for French Navy’s AVISMAR maritime patrol aircraft programme and H160/Guépard helicopter, the new 4-axis gimbal system provides ultra-long range observation and precision

The Elta Systems ELL-8385 ESM/ELINT suite features a compact design allowing easy adaption and installation on various platforms, from maritime patrol or special mission aircraft to UAVs, from ships to submarines, ground vehicles and fixed locations. © Elta/IAI

The Elettronica ELT/800 ESM/ELINT suite found success on both national and international markets, and is installed on-board Leonardo ATR 72MP and Bombardier Q400 platforms. © Elettronica

targeting capabilities thanks to up to 10 sensors, in addition to advanced embedded functions, all in a single LRU. Elbit Systems offers the combat proven Spectro XR day/night, ultra-long range, multi-spectral EO/IR imaging system that provides 20” payload performance in a 15” payload. The heart is a multi-spectral imaging system that combines multiple optical channels into one and improves performances without increasing size and weight. Being suitable for land, naval, fixedwing and rotary-wing platforms, the Spectro XR is equipped with a variety of digital imaging, high definition sensors and laser payloads.

Electronic Support Measures (ESM)

Elta Systems offers its ELL-8385 ESM/ELINT suite, which compact design allows easy adaption and installation on various platforms: from maritime patrol or special mission aircraft to UAVs, from ships to submarines, ground vehicles and fixed locations. Designed to intercept, geo-locate and analyze radar signals over a wide frequency range, the system operates in terrestrial, aerial and maritime domains, supporting multiple operational applications including ESM, passive air situation picture and ELINT for in-depth analysis of the intercepted signals. According to Elta, the ELL-8385 has already found application on P-3C, B 737, G 550, B 707, C-130, Il 76 and Fokker 50 platforms. Developed for maritime patrol and special mission aircraft, the Elettronica ELT/800 ESM/ELINT suite found success on both national and international markets, installed on-board Leonardo ATR 72MP and Bombardier Q400 platforms. It is based on a dual receiver architecture (wide open and wide band superheterodyne digital receiver) through a new system approach and modern technologies, according to Elettronica. The system performs tactical surveillance (ESM function) providing

Thanks to its favourable SWaP characteristics, Leonardo SAGE ESM suite can be integrated with other sensors and mission systems, providing packaging opportunities on many platforms including small UAVs. © Leonardo Leonardo is proposing the lightweight and modular new generation ULISSES (Ultra-Light SonicS Enhanced System) suite characterized by enhanced and multistatic capabilities. It is being promoted also in pod-based independent configurations. © Leonardo

Leveraging state-of-the-art developments in sonobuoy processing performed for UK and French naval programmes, Thales offers the new BlueTracker Sonobuoy Processing System (SPS) product range. © Thales

warning and self-protection through cooperation with defensive aid subsystem (DASS) capability combined with highly accurate data analysis for Intelligence (Technical ELINT function). Leonardo SAGE suite is already operational with worldwide customers in both fixed and rotarywing applications. This state-of-the-art ESM can be fitted to all platforms and is configured to support a variety of requirements. Its favourable SWaP characteristics, according to Leonardo, allow it to be integrated with other sensors and missions systems, providing packaging opportunities on many platforms including small UAVs. With a reduced weight, approximately 20 kg, SAGE key features include among others single platform geo-location enabling accurate sensor cueing at tactically significant range, identification and categorization of complex emitters, enhanced platform survivability through advanced radar warning capability and data recording for further analysis and sovereign EW database creation.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Leonardo is proposing the lightweight and modular new generation ULISSES (Ultra-Light SonicS Enhanced System) characterized by enhanced and multi-static capabilities but reduced weight and footprint, allowing the installation on a wider range of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, including lightweight assets such as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The core of the ULISSES suite is composed of the sonobuoy processor with software and an embedded data recorder, both developed by Leonardo, a digital VHF receiver and a common function transmitter unit devoted to the UHF downlink to buoys. The processor is capable to perform passive and active multi-static processing of up to 64 sonobuoys in parallel, sonobuoy processing, localization and classification of targets through advanced and proprietary tracking algorithms. It consists of a small 6.5 kg unit, while the complete core sonics suite including the acoustic processor, receiver and transmitter weighs less than 20 kg and occupies 20 liters volume. The sonobuoy dispenser depends on the application and requirements. Leonardo is proposing configurations based on a pod-mounted self-contained solution with a fully-independent ASW suite including a pre-processing unit, the dispenser for Ultra Electronics miniaturized sonobuoys and datalink, which can be applied to multi-purpose platforms, both fixed- and rotary-wing, manned and unmanned.

Leveraging state-of-the-art developments in sonobuoy processing performed for the UK Royal Navy and the French Navy in the framework of the AW101 Merlin CSP (Capability Sustainment Plus) and Atlantique 2 STAN (Sous-système de Traitement Acoustique Numérique de dernière generation) projects respectively, Thales offers the new BlueTracker Sonobuoy Processing System (SPS) product range. It includes the “BlueTracker Mk1” dedicated to multi-purpose aircraft, dimensioned to process up to 16 buoys simultaneously, and the “BlueTracker Mk2”, for aircraft specialized in ASW missions, which can process up to 64 buoys simultaneously, including the new SonoFlash sonobuoy also developed by Thales. The BlueTracker SPS features a COTS-

The French DGA recently awarded Thales a contract to develop, qualify and manufacture the new SonoFlash air-droppable sonobuoy, which offers the best of both passive or active sonobuoy modes, combining powerful, optimized lowfrequency transmitter with a high-directivity passive receiver. © Thales

base acoustic processor with digital wideband VHF sonobuoy receiver (99 channels) capable to process active and/or passive acoustic data from the latest analogue and digital types of sonobuoys. Fully sea-proven in worldwide operational deployment in mono and multi-static modes, the BlueTracker provides powerful data fusion techniques covering a large amount of acoustic information, and allowing the detection, tracking, localization and classification of surface and subsurface targets in all environments. The French DGA recently awarded Thales a contract to develop, qualify and manufacture the new SonoFlash air-droppable sonobuoy. Characterized by innovative design and advanced technologies, unlikely the current either passive or active sonobuoys, the SonoFlash offers the best of both modes, combining a powerful, optimized low-frequency transmitter with a high-directivity passive receiver. Combining these two capabilities, and with the added advantage of long endurance, the SonoFlash is suitable for a wide array of deployment scenarios, opening up promising new opportunities for multi-static operations with Thales sonars. To be delivered to the French navy from 2025, it could be available, according to Thales, on export markets to equip all modern fixed and rotary-wing as well as unmanned platforms, including autonomous surface vehicles, rotary-wing and fixed-wing UAVs equipped with a suitable multi-sonobuoy dispenser. Another key ASW sensor is the magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system. Having designed and supplied MAD systems for over 40 years to military forces around the world, CAE of Canada currently proposes the MAD-XR (Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role) with reduced SWaP requirements allowing it to be fitted to smaller platforms such as UAVs, helicopters and small fixedwing aircraft. Compared to the much larger in-service CAE AN/ASQ-508, with a total weight of circa 40 kg, the MAD-XR is a 2.3 kg suite including only the sensor unit and the interface unit. Maximum power requirement is also reduced from 200 W to 60 W. The MAD-XR is being integrated on US Navy’s first six MH-60Rs and has been acquired for testing by both Canadian and UK navies.

Having designed and supplied MAD systems to military forces worldwide, CAE of Canada currently proposes the MAD-XR (Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role) with reduced SWaP requirements allowing it to be fitted to smaller platforms such as UAVs, helicopters and small fixedwing aircraft. © CAE

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