Low-Frequency Active Towed Sonar

Benefits

Compact size - LFATS is a small, lightweight, air-transportable, ruggedized system
Specifically designed for easy installation on small vessels.
Configurable - LFATS can operate in a stand-alone configuration or be easily integrated into the ship’s combat system.
Tactical bistatic and multistatic capability - a robust infrastructure permits interoperability with the HELRAS helicopter dipping sonar and all key sonobuoys.
Highly maneuverable - own-ship noise reduction processing algorithms, coupled with compact twin-line receivers, enable short-scope towing for efficient maneuvering, fast deployment and unencumbered operation in shallow water.
Compact Winch and Handling System - an ultrastable structure assures safe, reliable operation in heavy seas and permits manual or console-controlled deployment, retrieval and depth-keeping. > Full 360° coverage - a dual parallel array configuration and advanced signal processing achieve instantaneous, unambiguous left/right target discrimination.
Space-saving transmitter tow-body configuration - innovative technology achieves omnidirectional, large aperture acoustic performance in a compact, sleek tow-body assembly.
Reverberation suppression - the unique transmitter design enables forward, aft, port and starboard directional transmission. This capability diverts energy concentration away from shorelines and landmasses, minimizing reverb and optimizing target detection.
Sonar performance prediction - a key ingredient to mission planning, LFATS computes and displays system detection capability based on modeled or measured environmental data.

Sonar Processing

Active processing — state-of-the-art signal processing offers a comprehensive range of single- and multi-pulse, FM and CW processing for detection and tracking.
Passive processing — 100-to-2,000 Hz continuous wideband coverage. Broadband, DEMON and narrowband analyzers, torpedo alert and extended tracking functions constitute a suite of passive tools to track and analyze targets.
Playback mode — playback is seamlessly integrated into passive and active operation, enabling post analysis of pre-recorded mission data, and is a key component to operator training.
Built-in test — power-up, continuous background and operator-initiated test modes combine to boost system availability and accelerate operations.

Displays and Operator

State-of-the-art workstation-based operator machine interface
Trackball, point-and-click control, pull-down menu function and parameter selection allows easy access to key information.

Displays
A strategic balance of multifunction displays, built on a modern OpenGL framework, offer flexible search, classification and geographic formats. Ground-stabilized, high-resolution color monitors capture details in the real-time processed sonar data.

Built-in operator aids
To simplify operation, LFATS provides recommended mode/parameter settings, automated range-of-day estimation and data history recall.