15 May 2002
BAE Systems, the Prime Contractor for the Astute Class Submarine, has recently
signed a contract with Thales Underwater Systems UK for the provision of the world's
most advanced submarine sonar system.
Sonar 2076 is the world's most advanced, fully integrated, passive/active search
and attack sonar suite and as well as being earmarked for the Astute Class, it has
already been integrated into the Swiftsure & Trafalgar Class Final Phase Update
programme that BAE Systems is currently managing as part of the Astute prime
contract.
Ian Booth, Managing Director, BAE Systems Astute and SSK said: "The signing of the
Sonar 2076 contract is a major milestone on the Astute Class programme and comes as
a result of a great deal of work by BAE Systems, Thales Underwater Systems (TUS)
and the MoD Defence Procurement Agency."
"Sonar 2076 is without doubt the best solution around - it gives Trafalgar Class
submarines an unrivalled capability and will make Astute the most technologically
advanced submarine the Royal Navy will possess when it enters service."
Defence Procurement Minister Lord Bach said: "This sonar system will put the Royal
Navy at the leading edge of underwater combat technology and will represent a step
change in the ability of our submarines to detect other submarines and surface
ships."
"Around 450 people are already employed on the development and production of Sonar
2076 at Cheadle Health in Manchester, Templecombe in Somerset and Church Crookham
in Hampshire. This contract will help protect these jobs."
Mel Purvis, Managing Director, Thales Underwater Systems UK, added: "The Sonar 2076
System consists of a federated suite of sonar subsystems implemented in leading
edge technology. The System includes the latest developments in both sensor and
processing technology to provide a dramatic overall improvement in operational
performance. TUS is pleased to be working as part of the DPA/BAE Systems Team to
ensure that the Royal Navy is equipped with the most operationally capable
submarine sonar system possible."
Notes to Editors:
- The contract is to equip the first three Astute class submarines, Astute, Ambush and Artful, on order from BAE Systems Astute Class Limited and under construction at Barrow in Furness under a 2 billion contract placed in 1997.
- Four further Sonar 2076 outfits are already on order to equip four Trafalgar class submarines as part of a major capability update.
- Of the total of around 450 people employed on Sonar 2076 about 70 are employed
at the TUS site at Templcombe, Somerset, 80 at Church Crookham, Hampshire and about
300 at Cheadle Heath, Manchester.
The Astute Class:
Under a 2bn Prime Contract BAE Systems is undertaking the design, build and
initial in-service support of three 7200 tonne Astute Class Submarines Type SSN for
the Royal Navy. The Prime Contract has the potential for further submarines of the
Class and includes weapons upgrade of boats in the previous S&T Classes being
undertaken by BAE Systems at Weymouth.
Characteristics:
- Length Overall: 97m
- Displacement: 7200 tonnes
- Submerged Speed: about 30 knots
- Complement: 98
Armament
- Weapons load is 50% greater than the existing Trafalgar Class attack submarines.
- Six 533mm missile tubes
- Total of 38 weapons: Spearfish torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles (SLCM), and Mines (in lieu of torpedoes)
Propulsion
- Harnessed (nuclear) power - the reactor, requiring no refuelling, will provide all the power Astute needs for life.
- One PWR2 Pressurised Water Reactor
- Geared turbine drive and pump jet propulsor
- Diesel - electric emergency propulsion system and diesel generator.
