Hensoldt’s digital sensor suite picked for German-Norwegian Type 212CD subs

Sensor solutions provider Hensoldt has been contracted to equip the German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarines with a fully digital sensor suite. 

As disclosed, the optronics division of Hensoldt has received a corresponding order worth over €50 million from kta naval systems, a consortium of Kongsberg, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systeme (TKMS), and Atlas Elektronik.

The order comprises six optronic systems, consisting of an OMS 150 optronic mast system, an OMS 300 and an i360°OS panoramic surveillance system for each of the six submarines of the Norwegian and German navies, the company revealed.

“With the twin optronic mast solution, the clients opted for the technological leap from the conventional, traditional direct view of a periscope system to a completely hull-penetrating digital system solution,” according to Hensoldt.

“This combination provides the new submarines with sensor equipment that combines the highest detection capabilities even in poor visibility with a high degree of automation, thus significantly improving the boats’ ability to act and survive,”  Managing Director Andreas Hülle commented.

The combination of OMS 150 and OMS 300 is being commissioned for the first time for this class of submarines. The OMS 150, in its multispectral version, will be used as a search and surveillance optronic mast. The OMS 300 stealth optronic mast takes over the so-called “attack” function.

“With the OMS 300, the developers at HENSOLDT have created an optronic mast that is difficult to detect visually and via radar, which significantly increases the safety of the crews. This multispectral optronic equipment provides the crew with the best visibility in all light and weather conditions, as well as a very wide range of operations,” according to the sensor solution provider.

With this order from kta, Hensoldt Optronics is further expanding its research and development in the field of optronic masts at the Oberkochen site.

In August last year, TKMS unveiled the design of Type 212CD submarines built for Germany and Norway. The new German-Norwegian submarine type is based on the Type 212A which is already in service with the German Navy and also with the Italian naval forces.