This website uses cookies to manage authentication, navigation, and other functions. By using our website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.

Read More

SAAB showcases the Double Eagle Mk3 Propelled Variable Depth Sonar at Euronaval 2014

Posted On
a
EURONAVAL 2014 Show Daily - SAAB Double Eagle MK3 PVDS
 
 
 
SAAB showcases the Double Eagle Mk3 Propelled Variable Depth Sonar at Euronaval 2014
 
Swedish company SAAB has chosen the 24th Euronaval Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition & Conference, which is held in Paris from 27 to 31st October, to exhibit for the first time a large range of naval remotely operated systems, such as the Double Eagle Mk3 Propelled Variable Depth Sonar (PVDS) Mk3.
     
Swedish company SAAB has chosen the 24th Euronaval Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition & Conference, which is held in Paris from 27 to 31st October, to exhibit for the first time a large range of naval remotely operated systems, such as the Double Eagle Mk3 Propelle Variable Depth Sonar (PVDS) Mk3. SAAB's Double Eagle Mk3 PVDS at Euronaval 2014
     
Underwater mine reconnaissance operations can be dangerous to both vessels and crews. As a global leader in maritime technology, Saab provides safe, reliable solutions that detect mines by travelling ahead to identify threats. These systems are highly robust and canbe used in even the harshest environments. Saab’s Double Eagle MkIII Propelled Variable Depth Sonar (Double Eagle PVDS) provides a perfect example of Saab’s thinking edge in action. The remotely operated system offers a cost-effective approach to mine hunting that protects against the threat of maritime explosives and improves crew safety.

The top mine countermeasures (MCM) choice for many navies around the world, the system is equipped with a rotatable, forward looking sonar which increases its detection range and enhances situational awareness – helping forces stay ahead. With unlimited endurance, the Double Eagle PVDS offers increased stand-off, as well as a high degree of protection against the threat of mines. The system can be packed into a standard container meaning it can be easily lifted from ship to ship, or be transported by road or air. This efficient stowage capability means that the Double Eagle PVDS can quickly go where it is needed for optimized MCM operations.
     
Swedish company SAAB has chosen the 24th Euronaval Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition & Conference, which is held in Paris from 27 to 31st October, to exhibit for the first time a large range of naval remotely operated systems, such as the Double Eagle Mk3 Propelle Variable Depth Sonar (PVDS) Mk3. SAAB's Double Eagle Mk3 PVDS at Euronaval 2014
     
When ready to use, the system can be launched from any type of ship, from the shore, or from a craft of opportunity (COOP).

Traditionally, mine reconnaissance was performed by an MCM ship with a hull-mounted or towed sonar, which consumes both time and resources. The Double Eagle PVDS takes a new approach, and runs several hundred metres ahead of a ship, using sonar to detect any underwater mines. The mine hunting sonar is carried in the bow of the vehicle so that it can conduct routine survey tasks, including underwater search, object detection and classification. This new concept not only improves ship and crew safety, but also enhances the performance of the sonar, as it is possible to vary both its depth and the viewing angle of the target.

During a mission, the Double Eagle PVDS is launched from a ship and the operator merges it with a track defined from the ship’s tactical system. The track consists of waypoints that the vehicle navigates between one at a time until it reaches the end. The operator can change the track of the vehicle at any time by sending new waypoints, or they can manually control it and pilot the vehicle to investigate an object of interest. This capability allows for earlier detection of Mine-Like Objects (MLOs) and prevents ships from accidentally sailing over a suspicious item. The use of the track also means that the Double Eagle PVDS can operate under different layers in the water, e.g. changing salinity and temperature. This enables it to perform multiple types of MCM mission, even in adverse conditions and strong currents.

     
Swedish company SAAB has chosen the 24th Euronaval Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition & Conference, which is held in Paris from 27 to 31st October, to exhibit for the first time a large range of naval remotely operated systems, such as the Double Eagle Mk3 Propelle Variable Depth Sonar (PVDS) Mk3. SAAB's Double Eagle Mk3 PVDS at Euronaval 2014
     
The robust Double Eagle PVDS has a modular design, offering high levels of flexibility and short turnaround times for MCM operations. The hydro-dynamically stable, highly reliable system boasts exceptional performance and low lifecycle costs, making it an ideal, cost effective choice for operators. The Double Eagle PVDS comes with all the controls required to manoeuvre the vehicle, including an Operator Control Board (OCB), a Portable Operator Control Board (POCB) and software that is ready to run on any general purpose or dedicated vehicle console. The heart of the control system is the Surface Control Unit (SCU) which runs the autopilot and interfaces with all other ship systems. The vehicle is connected to the ship via a tether. As well as providing vehicle power and control signals, the tether continuously sends real-time sonar data to the operator on board the ship.

The Automatic Tension Control Forced Cooling (ATC-FC) winch and the tether, together with the Tether Protection System (TPS) and the TPS launcher, allow the system to be operated without risk of the tether entangling with other underwater ship systems. These features also provide additional stability to the vehicle when decoupling the ship’s movements from the vehicle. The cooling of the tether is a prerequisite for high performance operation over long periods.

The Double Eagle PVDS has a Power Converter Unit (PCU) which converts the ship’s power to vehicle power. The PCU also includes insulation monitoring with a circuit breaker for added safety. The system features a cradle or trolley for vehicle stowage and a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for the vehicle.

These tools are used in conjunction with a sea crane on board the ship, enabling safe, easy launch and recovery of the vehicle.