Diver Detection Sonar secures German ships

Naval electronic systems supplier Atlas has been awarded a contract by the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) for the supply of four Cerberus Mod2 portable DDS systems for the four F125 frigates and a fifth system for training purposes. The first system delivery is scheduled for this year.

Developed by the British subsidiary Atlas Elektronik UK, the Cerberus Mod2 sonar will be the first installation of a DDS on a NATO vessel. Cerberus serves to protect military vessels from underwater threats by alerting the operators to the presence of divers, swimmers, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). The system is ideally suited for expeditionary use on platforms such as the F125, which will conduct forward operations in potentially hostile areas during times of conflict.

The system can be operated remotely from the ship’s bridge as well as from a processing and display unit below deck. Cerberus can also be operated completely independently from ships systems with the exception of power which is taken from the ships standard power supply. By positioning several sonars at suitable locations in harbours, wide expanses can be monitored and large numbers of vessels protected. The DDS automatically compensates for ship motion.

Cerberus displays the surrounding area on a sea chart. The position and bearing of the host ship are updated constantly. Once initialized, the DDS generates a visual and acoustic alert to warn against targets approaching in the water. It is therefore not necessary to permanently watch the display.

Thanks to its low weight of 23 kg and compact construction, the system can be deployed without the need for a crane or davit. Its components can easily be carried and operated by one person.

Cerberus Mod2 meets all the relevant national and international military standards (BV and MIL).