General Dynamics Canada to Upgrade Sonar Systems of Portuguese Frigates

General Dynamics Canada is installing an adjunct processing system on three VASCO DA GAMA-class frigates of the Portuguese Navy. Designed by General Dynamics Canada, the ECLIPSE adjunct processor provides the in-service AN/SQS-510 sonar systems with enhanced operational capability to detect submarines and torpedoes.

“General Dynamics Canada has a 40-year history of providing and supporting underwater systems and components to navies around the world. As the original designer and manufacturer of the AN/SQS-510 hull-mounted sonar system, we are pleased to bring new capabilities to this valuable and trusted system,” says David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems International.

The ECLIPSE processing system will work in parallel with the AN/SQS-510, leveraging the data collected from the existing sonar system. The addition of the ECLIPSE processing system will significantly improve the ability to detect and characterize echoes and sounds transmitted through the water to determine location and physical characteristics of potential threats.

In addition, ECLIPSE provides new ways of displaying the processed sonar information, with greater detail in a simplified format that allows operators to detect contacts earlier, and with more clarity than before. The information is displayed on new, state-of-the-art high-resolution flat panel monitors. The system also provides enhanced capabilities for training as well as record and replay of acoustic data. All of these improvements are installed without enlarging the footprint or weight of the system in the ship, or increasing the number of sonar operators.

The AN/SQS-510 medium-frequency hull-mounted sonar is currently in service on all twelve Royal Canadian Navy HALIFAX-class patrol frigates and three IROQUOIS-class destroyers. The system is also in use in ships of the Portuguese and Bulgarian navies.

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Press Release, April 16, 2014; Image: Wikimedia