Uk's Blue Bear Systems Promotes New Autonomous Sonobuoy Deployment (ASD) Capability

Uk based Blue Bear Systems Research (BBSR) company is promoting its autonomous sonobuoy deployment (ASD) capability that enhances anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. 

The company sees potential for ASD, which is designed for use with both manned and unmanned rotary wing and fixed wing maritime platforms. 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 company announced today.

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  6 tonne class maritime helicopter and/or a  2 to 3 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.

"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." Dr Yoge Patel, BBSR's Chief Executive Officer said.

Dr Patel will be in India from 2-6 November, where she is attending the Unmanned Systems Conference and Exhibition at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi on 3 November.