Significant advance in autonomous ASW

Enhanced precision and safety, together with reduced costs, are key benefits of ASD. The system is pre-programmed by the user selecting the desired pattern of sonobuoy deployment. ASD then automatically determines the most efficient route to drop the buoys, which only happens when it is safe to do so. The system takes information from existing onboard systems such as AIS, Air Data Units, radar and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and weather conditions.

Deployment can be achieved at low or medium altitude automatically, leaving the crew free to concentrate on locating the submarine threat. No new equipment is involved and minimal training is required. 

The capability has been demonstrated on the Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke. It visualises the automated deployment of sonobuoys from an AW159 six tonne class maritime helicopter and/or a two to three tonne class Rotary Wing UAS (RUAS). Once deployed, the sonobuoy information can be processed by an onboard acoustic processor on the AW159, the RUAS or relayed to a ship via a smaller 150kg class RUAS. 

Dr Yoge Patel, Chief Executive Officer, BBSR, said, "Autonomous systems are fundamental to the future effectiveness of anti-submarine warfare. We are keen for a worldwide audience to have the opportunity to see our innovative sonobuoy deployment system integrated into manned and unmanned platforms."