Advanced sonobuoy receivers win two contracts

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jan 13, 2006

Ultra Electronics Flightline Systems has been awarded two separate contracts for its advanced sonobuoy receivers for use in modern airborne anti-submarine warfare systems.

The Ultra Electronics Flightline Systems business, based in Rochester, New York, USA, has been awarded two separate contracts for its advanced sonobuoy receivers for use in modern airborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems.

The first contract has been awarded by Korean Aircraft Industries to provide sonobuoy receivers for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) P-3 maritime patrol aircraft programme.

The contract for sonobuoy receivers and support is worth in excess of US $5 million.

Ultra will be providing its ARR-502 sonobuoy receivers as part of an upgrade programme for the ROKN's eight ex-US Navy P-3B aircraft.

The second contract, worth over US $3 million, is from Thales Underwater Systems of Brest, France and covers the supply and support of sonobuoy receivers for the Turkey Navy Meltem 2 Batch 2 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft programme.

This includes the procurement of ten ATR- 72 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft for which Italy's Alenia Aeronautica is the prime contractor and which will be fitted with Ultra's advanced ARR-502 sonobuoy receivers.

Sonobuoys are the acoustic sensors that are deployed in the sea to detect submarines.

The sonobuoys transmit the acoustic emissions of the submarine to the sonobuoy receivers installed as part of the mission system in ASW aircraft and helicopters.

The signal is then processed to determine submarine type, range, bearing and other information.

Ultra is the recognised leader in the supply of sonobuoy receivers worldwide and Ultra also supplies the majority of the free world's sonobuoys.

Douglas Caster, Chief Executive of Ultra, commented: "I am very pleased that Ultra will be supplying its advanced sonobuoy receivers for use by both the Republic of Korea Navy and the Turkey Navy".

"The task of detecting modern, quiet diesel-electric submarines in shallow, coastal waters is especially difficult".

"Ultra's modern range of digital sonobuoys and advanced sonobuoy receivers play an important part in meeting this challenge".

"Ultra looks forward to supporting these important programmes".