Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd. announces DEFENDER III™ Sonar Processing

DEFENDER III™ is a complete wide band sonar signal processing, detection, tracking and classification, fusion and display unit developed and manufactured by Kongsberg Defence Systems for use with Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd. Diver Detection Sonars, DDS 9000/1.

Proven up-to-date technology

Data fusion.

The development was done based on proven and up-to-date technology. Kongsberg Defence Systems' MSI (Multi-Sensor Integration) software for autonomous detection tracking and classification (ADTC) has been developed over the past 30 years, in collaboration with NATO acoustic experts. The MSI™ software is truly unique in applying data fusion capabilities to diver detection. The capability to combine data from different sensor types as well as data from multiple sensors exceeds basic multistatic capability provided by earlier generation systems.

Kongsberg's C-Scope™ software provides the merged geo-referenced tactical display. C-Scope™ has been employed over the past 30 plus years as the system architecture for over 200 vessel traffic management installations plus a number of naval and civilian security installations.

MOTS

Sonar Performance Analysis includes current range predictions based on conditions and settings.

Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd. is the leader in development of diver detection sonar and has been delivering diver detection sonar for a decade. The current Kongsberg DDS 9000™ sonar based on the tried and proven SM 2000 sonar design has evolved into a "MOTS" or Militarized Off The Shelf version based on the requirements of our military customers.

This development also signals a move from Windows™ based PCs to LINUX based open architecture using servers. The advantages to military clients are a solid development history or "pedigree" and proven hardware effectiveness and reliability. LINUX provides a secure, low-maintenance, reliable, predictable and reproducible environment. Navies will be able to maintain programs more easily over operational lifetimes with the architecture of DEFENDER III™.

On the computer hardware side, the use of blade server processing hardware improves reliability and serviceability, reducing downtime and simplifying upgrades. A ruggedized laptop serves as the operator console, providing a simple, reliable human machine interface (HMI). Ruggedized approved laptops can serve as MOTS replacements. This combined development has truly taken underwater surveillance to higher levels of capability and reliability.

Detects divers and swimmers

DDS 9000 Diver Detection Sonar with steerable transmit transducer on adjustable tripod.

The system detects targets, divers and swimmers, in designated areas within a port environment using high frequency sonar. Once identified and tracked, targets are classified and direction of travel predicted. The autonomous detection tracking and classification software developed by Kongsberg distinguishes between divers and marine life such as often-present seals or dolphins, which are of similar size and speed to human divers. The target icons and tracks are displayed on operator's screens with NATO STANAG icons as a standard. Divers are classified as threats within operator specified alert zones and announced with audio and visual alarms. Target data can be exported to other equipment for confirmation or interdiction.

Operator support

The DEFENDER III Sonar Support Display provides information on the functioning of the system, and targets.

DEFENDER III™ also provides a far higher level of operator support and analysis capability than seen on earlier generation systems. Support systems include Sonar Performance Analysis, System Status, and Sonar Performance Analysis. Individual track data can be examined in greater detail to aid in confirmation or elimination of targets as potential threats. The System Status window reports overall conditions and text descriptions for different parts of the system. Different access levels are provided for the control of system parameters. Sonar Performance Analysis enables operators to maximize sonar detection capability by modelling performance under current environmental conditions. The effect of altering settings to cope with changing environmental conditions can be evaluated and then implemented.

Truly scalable

DEFENDER III Tactical Display provides visual and audible display of threats, track management, and system status.

The approach is truly scalable from mobile diver detection systems to coastal surveillance. Kongsberg's approach to data processing supports a broad network-centric approach to C4ISR systems by making data available at different levels. Kongsberg can configure systems for different information requirements and bandwidth capabilities. In the case of monostatic systems, DEFENDER III™ will output target data to central command and control systems or compatible equipment. Output from multiple sonar heads in multistatic systems can be combined into a Common Operating Picture or COP. On a larger scale, Kongsberg Defense Systems MSI C-Scope™ systems provide the full range of data import and export options, including true data fusion capability, assessing and combining data from different sensor types before uploading to the network.

Performance, reliability and ruggedness

Kongsberg has been chosen as the supplier of underwater surveillance systems for the largest and most sophisticated military underwater surveillance projects to date and dominates the military market for underwater surveillance. To a large part, the selection of Kongsberg has been based on the performance, reliability and ruggedness of these systems. A number of DEFENDER III™ type systems have already been sold and are operating in different parts of the world providing reliable underwater surveillance as part of integrated surface and sub-surface surveillance systems. Maintenance, repair, training and parts availability are provided by the Kongsberg Group, a defence company since 1814, well versed and capable in providing integrated logistic support.