SPECIAL REPORT
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On an Overdrive
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Indian Navy’s ASW-centric force modernisation efforts are progressing along multiple fronts
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The NH-90 ASW helicopter of NH Industries, a Eurocopter company. The Helicopter
is proposed for Indian Navy
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Prasun K. Sengupta
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The Indian Navy’s ASW-centric force modernisation efforts are progressing along multiple fronts, ranging from the acquisition of new-generation long-range maritime reconnaissance/anti-submarine warfare (LRMR/ASW) platforms like the eight Boeing P-8Is on order (plus another four to be ordered in future), to the acquisition of six medium-range ASW aircraft, and ultra low-frequency sonars — hull-mounted, dunking and towed-array — plus induction of several shipborne ASW helicopters and upgrading the mission sensors of existing ASW helicopter assets, and the large-scale of a range of torpedoes — both lightweight as well as heavyweight.
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Sonar Systems
It is the threat from diesel-electric submarines (SSK) that drives the specific requirements for active/passive ultra low-frequency anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonar. Because of the SSK threat capabilities, wide areas have to be searched and long standoff distances have to be cleared for the safety of high-value principal surface combatants. The most effective sensor to detect the SSK operating in shallow waters is the active/passive ultra low-frequency towed-array sonar (ATAS). A warship and its shipborne naval helicopter equipped with active long-range (hull-mounted, towed-array and dipping) sonars provide the necessary standoff safety, required mobility and technology for a successful ASW platform.
Another equally important point to consider is that the shorter-range
mid-/low-frequency, hull-mounted panoramic sonar (HMS) like the Indian Navy’s
existing HUMSA Mk1 and NG has a much lower probability of detecting the SSK from
simple geometric considerations. The SSK can out-run the area coverage of the
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range sonar between its pings. A SSK can hear the pings of the hunting HMS even
before that sonar detects it, and the SSK can also figure out its likely
detection range. A very good tactic for the SSK is to sprint at high speed
between pings. If the HMS has a relatively short detection range the SSK has a
good chance to escape. Such sprint tactics to avoid detection are far less
likely to work against long-range, ultra low-frequency active/passive
towed-array sonars. The conclusion is that a mid-frequency or even low-frequency
HMS cannot reliably do the basic ASW mission in littoral waters, as its
detection range will not exceed 5nm. In the case of short-range,
mid-/low-frequency ASW sonars the modern SSK therefore remains an undetected
lethal threat to surface combatants.
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