General Dynamics Canada, a pioneer in the development of underwater acoustic processing systems, has set up an Underwater Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (UW ISR) Centre of Excellence. The Centre is designed to accelerate the company’s research and product development efforts as naval fleets around the world look to reestablish this critical capability in the face of new threats.

According to Bob Nugent, Vice President at naval market research and analysis firm AMI International, national security and economic stability are driving investment in new ship and submarine fleets that require underwater submarine warfare capability. “Global demand for submarines and associated ISR capabilities is increasing. Compared to any other region in the world, more submarines will be built or bought by Asian-Pacific navies over the next 20 years.”

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Centre will leverage the company’s strong collaborative relationship with Defence Research and Development Canada—Atlantic, a globally-renowned defence research centre with world-leading expertise in anti-submarine warfare and mine and torpedo defence systems.

The team’s initial focus will be further development of the company’s flagship acoustic products including the Matador torpedo detection system and the TrailBlazer mine and obstacle avoidance sonar, a joint development effort between General Dynamics Canada and Marport. The Matador system is an acoustic processing system optimised for torpedo detection and designed to be used with towed array sensors. Integrated within the system are sonar detection displays that provide operators a single-view summary of all acoustic data collected, as well as tools to allow rapid detection of torpedo signatures, accurate identification of torpedo bearings, and an interface for managing torpedo alerts and alarms.