UMS SKELDAR and Ultra Maritime (UM) are proud to unveil their jointly developed anti-submarine warfare solution at DSEI 2023.
The solution, a Rotary Wing UAS to provide an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sonobuoy dispensing capability, is based on our proven SKELDAR V-200 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) and was developed as part of a contract under the Canadian Department of National Defence’s (DND) Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.
This innovative development allows the SKELDAR V-200 to 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 the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) or other forces.
“Until now, unmanned rotorcraft in the SKELDAR V-200’s weight class have been limited in their ability to locate hostile submersibles due to the lack of a sonobuoy dispensing capability.” Richard Hjelmberg, UMS SKELDAR’s VP of Business Development. “Only manned helicopters or larger fixed-wing unmanned aircraft with access to airfields could previously deploy sonobuoys. As a result, there has been a lack of a rapid ship-based responder that can support recognition efforts using passive sonobuoys, which is necessary for complementing ASW operations.”
“At Ultra Maritime, new technologies are being continuously assessed to find ways to counter the danger posed by hostile submarines. “ Clifton Flint, Manager Global Business Development Sonobuoy Systems for Ultra Maritime. “The gap in the available technologies led us to enter this program to create a viable alternative. This program has proven that deploying sonobuoys from Rotary Wing UAS with a compact logistical footprint is a practical and effective solution, adding another resource to the ASW toolbox for the benefit of the warfighter.”
“We express our deep gratitude to Ultra Maritime for their invaluable collaboration and support during the development of this project.” Richard Hjelmberg, UMS SKELDAR’s VP of Business Development. “We are thrilled to showcase this groundbreaking solution at the DSEI event. The remarkable ability to respond swiftly, coupled with reducing the reliance on extensive crewed or unmanned aircraft, could potentially revolutionize how underwater autonomous systems enhance anti-submarine warfare operations.”