Anti-Submarine Warfare using Unmanned Systems

Ultra Maritime and UMS SKELDAR explore an ASW sonobuoy dispensing capability.

19 October 2022
The Skeldar V-200 UAS

 

Ultra Maritime and UMS SKELDAR are exploring the development of an ASW sonobuoy dispensing capability, based on the SKELDAR V-200 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS), for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Their solution was selected and awarded through the Department of National Defence’s (DND) Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.

This innovative program will review how a medium-sized UAS can be used to deploy sonobuoys for the purpose of tracking potentially hostile submarines operating in the open ocean or close to coastal areas that could pose a threat to CAF navy fleets or other forces. 

Andrew Anderson, Chief of Technology at Ultra Sonar Systems, explains: “For this programme, we aim to test how rotary UAS can deploy sonobuoys rapidly and cost-effectively in comparison to current methods. The aim is to prove the benefits of sonobouys when deployed from the compact rotary V-200 unmanned system.”

The SKELDAR V-200 can be equipped with multiple sensors. Flight times can exceed six hours, and the heavy-fuel engine combined with efficient maintenance procedures and ease of access to the engine compartment allow for highly efficient routine service processes. 

 Richard Hjelmberg, vice president of business development for UMS SKELDAR, adds: “Using Rotary Unmanned Aircraft Systems to help conduct ASW will provide many benefits, not least enabling rapid deployment capabilities, a smaller logistical footprint on CAF ships and a cost-effective alternative to current methods.”