DSIT pitches GhostFin compact sonar suite for UUVs

GhostFin is a modular sonar suite intended to provide search capabilities for medium, large, and extra-large UUVs. The vehicle depicted here is configured with bow, flank, and towed array sensors. (DSIT Solutions)

Israeli underwater technology group DSIT Solutions has lifted the curtain on a new compact multimission, multiarray sonar purpose-designed for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Given the name GhostFin, the new acoustic sensor suite is intended to be configurable to a number of missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW); anti-surface warfare (ASuW); and underwater intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Unveiling the system on 27 January, DSIT claimed that the surveillance capability afforded by GhostFin “narrows the gap between unmanned vehicles and traditional submarines”.

GhostFin component options comprise flank receive arrays integrated with active (high or low frequency) transmitters to allow operation in active and passive modes; a passive towed array; and a passive cylindrical bow array. According to DSIT, the modular and compact architecture has been designed such that different array configurations can be tailored to specific platform dimensions – from medium-sized to large-displacement and extra-large UUV platforms – and operational requirements (ASW, ASuW, and ISR).

The system – which includes navigation and safe diving and surfacing control – has been designed to enable UUVs to operate independently or collaboratively alongside other platforms, including submarines and ASW platforms. GhostFin can also function as a bistatic sonar node using a remote active sound source from surface vessels or fixed sonar installations. An acoustic modem allows for underwater transmission of critical data to co-operating units at ranges up to 20 km.