Fairs and Events

SAES company director (SA Electronic Underwater) set out new trends in subsea sensors under antisubmarine surveillance for the navy Technology Conference held at the School of Naval Engineers in Madrid.

 

 

 

The benchmark company in underwater acoustics in Spain, specialist in the area of ​​surveillance and submarine defence, has participated in the conference «IMPACT OF NAVAL CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY IN SPANISH INDUSTRY» organized by the Spanish Armada, to treat specific technological developments in submarine technology.
The lecture entitled «New Trends in underwater sensors” stressed the importance of submarine surveillance in the Mediterranean Sea, which is evident given the conflicts in countries that border, and the known fact that submarines from many countries, not only surrounding, are patrolling daily.

 
The detection of submarines based on the use of sonar is a complex discipline that requires high technology and trained crews; otherwise, it is relatively easy unwanted intrusion taking advantage of the existence of «blind spots», as well known to those involved in this naval area.

 
These «blind spots» can be minimized by exploiting the latest technological advances and integrated manner using platforms and sensors placed at the service of force, is what is known as «ASW – Network Centric Warfare». Extensive use of drones UAV, USV and UUV as integrated remote sensing, bi-static and multi-static processing using sonar buoys and variable depth sonar all members of the force, the combined signal processing and low medium frequency and a robust broadband communication systems, i.e., low failure rate, are the new trends in subsea sensors to achieve a scenario more comprehensive and effective detection.

Figure 1: Example of reducing blind spots by bi-static processing of different sensors.

 

SAES, as a high-tech enterprise, invests a significant amount of their budget to R + D + I and takes years studying and integrating their systems in new developments in service across platforms worldwide. «Specifically in the area in question, we have developed the ROASW (Remote Operation ASW system). This system, based on acoustic sonobuoys processing, allows the exchange of information between multiple platforms (surface ships as frigates or corvettes, helicopters, UAVs, …) the centralized management and the rapid making decisions” says the director of SAES Antonio Cordero, while highlighting the undeniable opportunity to apply this technology to new units under programs of European and transatlantic partnership, to enhance underwater surveillance in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

It was during the celebration of the international conference MARTECH in Cartagena last week, where the latest advances in marine technology was presented.

 

The increasing human interaction with the marine environment is bringing about a continuous growth in the ambient noise levels, which aggregates to the traditionally existing noises produced by natural sources. Those noises, produced by human activity as cruisers, offshore wind farms, ports, etc. can affect, sometimes in a severe way, to the wellbeing of the marine fauna.

 

To date studies have centered on the acoustic radiation, leaving in a second place the rest of radiations which also have a proven effect on marine life. In order to help to fill this gap, this study centers on analyzing the levels and correlations patterns of several types of energy radiations in the marine environment: acoustic, electric, magnetic and seismic, specifically the radiations emitted by cruises. This kind of vessel have an increasing presence and importance worldwide, reason why its impact in the sea routes must be studied, in order to minimize the possible effects in the environment.

 

SAES has developed the measurements by a own-manufacturing system, capable of the simultaneously measurement of all the radiated influences; the MIRS (Multi-influence range system). This system, that can be configured as a fixed station for vessels, also have the advantage to be portable and easily deployable from a small boat, available to the implantation in any place and making easy the noise measurements, as well as other influences.

 

Results show not only a significant level of correlation between acoustic and seismic radiations by one side and electric and magnetic by other side, but additionally a correlation degree among the four analyzed radiations.

 

These results are part of a broad set of studies in the field of underwater emissions that society is conducting as part of its activities in the field of R + D + i in the civil sector.

 

SAES participates with a stand (S7-362), shared with Navantia, in the International Defence and Security Exhibition DSEI at London from 15 to 18 September.

 

SAES, referent in Spain in underwater acoustics and electronics, attends to DSEI in a favourable environment; “the latest plans in Europe and Asia to modernize the Navies include submarines, surface platforms, helos, unmanned vessels, UAVs, etc. SAES, as specialist in underwater electronics, has a wide range of systems at the forefront of the market in those areas,” asserts the commercial manager. Effectively, the company offers solutions in different fields of submarine warfare, specifically in Sonar Systems, ASW, Sonobuoy Processing, Signature Intelligence, Multi-influence Naval Mines, Maritime and Coast Security and Simulation, suitable for all type of platforms.

 

SAES is getting numerous visits from local and foreign official delegations, as well as from companies interested in their products to establish partnerships that will achieve greater success. In fact, the joint participation with Navantia at the fair it is a way to exploit the synergies between these two major Spanish companies.

 

At Sonar area, the high-frequency active sonar «DDS-03 (intruder detection sonar)» has caught the interest of participants since allow the underwater surveillance and protection of critical facilities as ports and refineries. This kind of systems are being required by a growing number of countries because they are an efficient protection systems against asymmetric threats, which are being taking into account, increasingly, in the strategies of defence of the countries. «Our system can cover large areas and allows the processing of up to 10 sonar and also can be integrated into any surveillance system together to others sensors and systems» says the head of the sonar commercial line. «Furthermore, DDS offers additional capabilities such as the wireless communication and the training,» he adds.

 

In the modern ASW framework, which variety of platforms (frigates, corvets, helos, UAVs…) collaborate in a Network Centric Warfare (NCW) to interchange information, is mandatory the use of systems that allows the centralized managing of this and the quickly decision making. “The ROASW system, developed by SAES and based on the acoustic processing of sonobuoys, is the perfect solution to manage this kind of ASW mission since it constitutes a unique, fully integrated ship/air weapon solution that allow to make decisions in a quick and agile centralized way, and the communication of tactical data and acoustic by Surface –To – Surface (S2S), Surface – To – Helo (S2H) and Surface – To – Satellite (SATCOM)”, sustains the head of ASW commercial line. In fact, the Swedish Royal Navy has equipped their Visby class corvettes and the HKP-15 helicopters with the ROASW system (formerly known as SDL).

 

SAES, as an expert at the measuring and control of underwater signatures (acoustic, sismica, magnetic, electric and pressure), develops systems for Underwater SIGINT as MIRS (Multi-influence range system) as well as naval mines (MINEA-Multi-influence Naval Mines), both exercise and combat versions. The exercise mine can be used, in addition to training at MCM, to gather intelligence information by measurement and recording of ships influence signatures.

 

The easy integration of its systems and the experience in important international programs are some of the keys characteristics highlighted by SAES that provide them the opportunity to work for numerous Navies around the world.

The company, specialized in underwater acoustic technologies, will present three technical articles about the last researches in that field.

 

SAES participates in the third edition of the “Underwater Acoustics Conference & Exhibition, UACE2015” at Island of Crete (Greece), which meet the most relevant scientists and engineers from universities, research institutes, government organizations and industry dealing with all aspects of underwater acoustics. “For our company is a very important appointment since it provides a forum where to show our recent research results, explain their implementation and application and display the latest advances in instrumentation” say from the company.

 

 

SAES carries out an important activity in Research, Development and Innovation. In fact the last year invested the 4% of its annual turnover in R&D projects and activities. Both, from its own resources and in collaboration, the company has in action numerous projects of international and domestic scope.

 

The members of the company and specialists in acoustics: Antonio Sánchez (R&D&i Manager), Francisco Javier Rodrigo (Head of Signal Group) and Esther Moya (System Engineer) will give the following three lectures:

 

Stand out characteristics of acoustic and seismic fields emitted by cruise ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

This lecture will present the results of the research concerning underwater noise and seismic radiations generated by cruise ships and their correlation. Location: Lecture room C | Friday 26th June 2015 | 11:40-12:00| Minoa Palace Resort & Spa.

 

 

Analysis of the daily and seasonal variation patterns of underwater acoustic ambient noise in shallow waters in the Mediterranean Sea.

This lecture centers on analyzing the underwater ambient noise variation patterns both daily and throughout the annual seasons in a shallow water environment. Lecture room B | Friday 26th June 2015 | 11:40 | Minoa Palace Resort & Spa.

 

 

Analysis of the information provided by different acoustic indicators of ambient noise and ship measurements. This research presents a study of a wide set of acoustic parameters, including SPL, MSP & SEL, applied to ambient and ship acoustic measurements and on the way they can be utilized. Lecture room B | Friday 26th June 2015 | 10:00-10:20 | Minoa Palace Resort & Spa.

 

These researches are based on real ambient and ship measurements performed using MIRS.

 

 

MIRS – Multi-influence Range System for surface ships and submarines.

 

The SAES Multi Influence Range System (MIRS) for surface vessels and submarines provides real influence measures (magnetic, electric, pressure, acoustic, and seismic) in a real and controlled scenario, to successfully counter related threats. MIRS is among the best systems in the world in its class and compared to fixed stations. A decisive advantage of MIRS system is that, due to its portability, low weight, low power consumption and high performance, can obtain all signatures of the ship in different geographical locations.

 

MIRS is also a tool for testing and calibration of:

• Systems developed to reduce those influences as degaussing systems, ASG, etc.
• Systems developed for MCM as the mine sweeping systems.

 

MIRS has been primarily designed using Commercial Off The Self (COTS) components for maximum reliability at minimum cost.

SAES delivers a speech entitled «Principal characteristics of electrical and magnetic radiation from cruises in the Mediterranean Sea, and its correlation with acoustic radiation».

In the framework of the European Maritime Day celebrations in the region of Murcia,  a conference on «Noise pollution and its impact on the marine ecosystem will helded next May 28, organized by the Naval Technology Center, SGS and SAES. The event aims to raise awareness and deepen the challenges of unconventional sources of marine pollution and its impact on the marine ecosystem.

The conference will take place in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Business at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, and the end of the event, there will be a sample of equipment and systems for specific field of study subject of the day. That material will be also on exhibit during the «Days of diving technology» on 29 and 30 May in the Port of Cartagena.

 

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by ships.

 

Today, in the international community there is growing concern about the effects that acoustic and non-acoustic radiation produce on marine life; at European level this concern is reflected in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the European Union (MSFD). However, in this field, there is a significant lack of information regarding the characteristics of the electric and magnetic radiation emitted by different types of vessels. With the aim of increasing the existing information on the electromagnetic radiation emitted by ships, SAES offers a lecture on «Main characteristics of electric and magnetic radiation emitted by cruises in the Mediterranean Sea, and its correlation with acoustic radiation». The analysis performed on the electrical and magnetic radiation demonstrates the existence of a high correlation in the distribution of energy between acoustic and non-acoustic measurements.

 

Conference schedule – European Maritime Day 2015

 

Exhibit European Maritime Day 2015

 

The full program of activities is available at: http://www.ctninnova.com/dia-maritimo-europeo-2015/

 

SAES together with other four companies in the aeronautical sector has presented their ASW solutions in the exhibition “Aerospace & Defense Meetings Poland 2015” in Warsaw. This Spanish delegation have been coordinated by Extenda (Trade Promotion Agency of Andalusia, – a public company of the Government of Andalusia) and in collaboration with “Helice Foundation”.

 

The aviation industry in Poland has become one of the leading sectors of the country’s economy, representing an opportunity for companies in the sector that are able to offer innovative solutions for aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

 

SAES have meet with important local and international companies as ThyssenKrupp, Bohemia Interactive, Airbus Defense & Space and Aviation Valley in order to establish commercial collaborations.

 

ROASW (Remote Operation ASW System) and SPAS (Sonobuoy Processing Acoustic System) have been the center of the interest on the potential clients’ behalf since the easy integration capabilities and the functionalities that both systems can provide to the air platforms.

 

 

Remote Operation ASW (ROASW) System

ROASW system is a two system segment (Surface Segment ROASW-SS & Airborne Segment ROASW-AS) capable to operate an ASW/ASuW mission by means of controlling remotely from the ROASW-SS manned/unmanned air vehicle in order to receive via data relay (STANAG 7085 compliance) the acoustic and tactical information from sensors (passive, active and digital). Also, the ROASW-SS is capable to receive from the ROASW-AS non acoustic information like Radar and EO.

 

Additionally, ROASW system is able to collaborate in a Network Centric Warfare (NCW) giving the ability to make quick and agile centralized decision:

 

• Surface –To – Surface (S2S).
• Surface – To – Helo (S2H).
• Surface – To – Satellite (SATCOM).

 

ROASW system provides a unique, fully integrated ship/air weapon system, initially designed to enhance and extend the ship acoustic sensors. ROASW system also enhances the Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) and specially the Anti Ship Surveillance and Targeting (ASST) mission extending ship’s horizon of Non-Acoustic Sensors (NAS).

 

The Swedish Royal Navy has equipped their Visby class corvettes and HKP-15 helicopters with the ROASW system.

 

SPAS – Sonobuoy Processin Acoustic System–

SPAS systems covers completely the new requirements of ASW missions. Sistema Procesador Acústico de Sonoboyas (SPAS).

The system SPAS detects, localizes and tracks submarines and surface ships based on analysis of acoustic signals acquired by deployed passive and active sonobuoys both analog and digital versions.

 

SAES delivers a complete ASW solution System; SPAS is integrated with other equipments as a Digital Recorder (DR), Digital Sonobuoy Receiver (SDSR), Preamplifier/s, V/UHF Transceiver, Directional Finder, Sonobuoy Launcher, etc… conforming a complete Sonobuoy Processing Acoustic System.

 

SPAS is installed and fully operative onboard aircrafts (P-3B/M Orion MPA and C-295 MPA aircraft), Helicopters (SH-60B LAMPS and HKP15 A-109) and Surface Ships (Visby Class Corvettes). This long experience has positioned our company at the forefront of ASW systems.

 

The main objective of the SPAS is to decline the operator’s workload. To that end, SPAS has been designed focusing on the following recommendations from the operators:

 

• SPAS incorporates the most sophisticated passive and active buoys (BARRA, CAMBS, HIDAR).
• Provides a Multi-static Coherent Plot (MCP) intended to achieve broad-area ASW acoustic search capability with the minimum workload to the operator.
• Training onboard with the aim to increase operator proficiency.
• Shorten training pipelines by designing of SPAS as a «friendly» system.
• Open architecture able to be integrated with any Tactical Mission System (TMS).
• Reduce the acquisition and life-cycle support costs of systems so a greater portion of ASW resources can be focused on at-sea operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAES, a reference company in underwater electronics, attends this week to the “Asia Pacific’s Flagship Maritime Defence Show – IMDEX ASIA 2015” held in Singapore, to promote their products and services in that region.

 

SAES – S.A. Electrónica Submarina, specialist in Underwater Electronics, participates with a stand shared with NAVANTIA (R17) at the exhibition, one of the more relevant of Asia, started the Tuesday 19 th and will last up to the Thursday 21th of May.

 

“There is a worlwide growing interest in having data related to energy emissions in the underwater environment, besides the acoustic, of the electric, magnetic, pressure and seismic. Furthermore, the underwater surveillance is crucial for countries that have extensive coastline in order to avoid intrusion into territorial waters” says from the company.

 

SAES, as a specialist in ACINT (acoustic Intelligence) and SIGINT (Signature Intelligence) brings visitors to IMDEX the opportunity to know more about the products and systems based on these knowledge areas.

 

Systems for SIGINT

 

The SIGINT great advantage in the face of ACINT is that it allows the classification of a contact more accurately and in any situation and operating environment, due to the greater amount of information managed.

 

At present, this technique is used in an integrated manner in multi – influence systems, as MIRS and MINEA SAES developments, providing measures of all influences of any contact or threat, simultaneously.

 

MIRS – Multi-Influence Range System

 

The SAES Multi Influence Range System (MIRS) for surface vessels and submarines provides real influence measures (magnetic, electric, pressure, acoustic, and seismic) lets to obtain all signatures of the ship in different geographical locations allowing the successfully counteraction of threats.

 

Applications:

 

The multi – influence range provides underwater influence measures in order to:

 

• Establish the mine threat of the measured ship.
• Test and calibrate the systems for signatures reduction as Active Shaft Grounding (ASG), Degaussing systems, Active Cathodic Protection (ACP), etc.
• Test, calibrate, and configure the minesweepers.
• Develop and validate studies for signature reduction and influence propagation models (dipole models, Boundary Contour Elements, etc).
• Provide a Data Base of signatures for:

o          Intelligence (SIGINT).

o          History evolution of the signature and ship maintenance.

• Evaluate new threats as combat divers, UUVs, ROVs, etc.

 

 

MINEA – Multi-Influence Naval Mines

 

Based on the experience in underwater sensors, SAES has developed a complete set of Multi-influence Naval Mines (MINEA), at the forefront of the market that use a variety of sensors (magnetic, electrical, seismic, acoustic and pressure) to detect different physical influences of the target.

 

The family of MINEA products comprises three naval mines: cylindrical bottom mine, conical shape shallow water mine and moored mine. In addition, the Exercise MINEA version is available to be used for MCM training and to gathering intelligence information by measurement and recording of ships influence signatures. Furthermore, the knowledge of this intelligence is essential to programming the fire algorithm of the Combat units.

 

Maritime Security

 

Today, asymmetrical threats in the fields of Defence and International Security make necessary to deploy underwater protection systems for Ports, drilling platforms, anchored boats, power plants, large oil refining companies, and any infrastructure of interest and extremely important which require protection.

 

DDS-03 – Intruder Detection Sonar

 

The high-frequency active sonar DDS-03 (diver detection sonar) has been specifically designed for the detection of underwater threats such as divers and manned and unmanned underwater vehicles (SDV, ROV or UUV), offering protection and surveillance against the potential threat in ports, critical facilities, shipwrecks, environmentally protected areas, special events, anchored boats…

 

Additionally, the Deterring System (DES) can warn non-authorized divers of being in a protected area and emit dissuasive acoustic signals if needed.

 

 

SIDIS – Integral Security System

 

SIDIS configures itself as a net of nodes that can operate in a stand-alone way or making part of an integrated surveillance system. These nodes are characterized as multi-sensor (acoustics and non-acoustics), modular, versatile and high-performance systems.

 

The SIDIS design is based on a layer protection concept to increase its degree of effectiveness. Its adaptability allow the integration with other sensors and surveillance systems to configure wider control systems. The DDS – Intruder Detection Sonar, explained before, is one of the elements that composes this integral security system.

 

SAES also provides advanced technology in other naval areas:

 

• Sonar and On-board Systems. Development, manufacture and integration of sonar and others onboard systems such as sonar prediction systems, own noise monitoring, acoustic classification…
• Anti-submarine warfare. Sonobuoy Processing Acoustic Systems (SPAS), integrated communications system (ROASW) and ground systems for mission support and acoustic intelligence, as well as Trainers and Simulators.
• Simulation and Training. Tactical simulator for submarines. Sonar Simulator/Stimulator. Training systems for acoustic operators.
• SAES services: Engineering services, verification and testing systems, maintenance, aftersales support, education and training.

 

CertificateofParticipationIMDEX2015