OTTAWA – General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada successfully completed at-sea testing for its MATADOR Torpedo Detection System under the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP). The testing, conducted on board a Royal Canadian Navy ship, confirmed the detection and tracking capabilities of the MATADOR system against heavyweight anti-ship torpedoes.
MATADOR is an acoustic processing system optimized for torpedo detection and designed to be used with a wide range of passive underwater sensors. The system’s open architecture and flexible interface allow it to be configured to work seamlessly with almost any sensor. Sensor systems fitted with the specialized MATADOR acoustic analysis capability can provide additional levels of warning that reduce mission risk, allowing ships to operate more safely and effectively in the far oceans of the world.
The system provides integrated sonar detection displays, giving operators a single-view summary of all acoustic data collected. MATADOR also includes tools to allow rapid detection of torpedo signatures and accurate identification of torpedo bearings, and an interface for managing torpedo alerts and alarms. Many of these innovative technologies were originally developed by General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada for Defence Research and Development Canada during the Multisensor Torpedo Detection Classification and Localization Technology Demonstration Project.
“General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada has a long, proud history of working alongside the Canadian government to develop world-leading Underwater Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance solutions,”said David Ibbetson, general manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada.“MATADOR was designed and developed in response to a known risk and vulnerability of certain sonar suites currently on the market, and by working alongside those systems MATADOR provides elevated protection against torpedo threats.”
Under the BCIP, innovative Canadian products are matched with a government department for testing in a relevant operational environment. The MATADOR system was installed onboard HMCS Calgary using the existing towed sonar array as the underwater sensor. The Directorate of Naval Requirements evaluated the system’s performance during torpedo trials conducted at the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges in British Columbia. The Matador system is expected to remain on board HMCS Calgary through the summer to support Navy exercises.
Key results from the trial include:
- MATADOR was fully installed by a very small crew (two people) in less than two days. No docking was required and no modifications were made to the ship.
- No increase in the ship’s crew was required. MATADOR was operated at one of the two existing Operators Consoles.
- MATADOR provided 100% detection performance against all trial weapon firings. Detections were achieved at launch and offered the maximum allowable time for evasion.
General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada delivers advanced system solutions to Canadian and international Army, Navy and Air Force customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, with locations in Calgary and Halifax, it is one of the largest C4ISR companies in Canada and is a world-class prime contractor and systems integrator for military applications. For more on General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, visit www.gd-ms.ca.
The Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) helps companies bridge the pre-commercialization gap by buying and testing late-stage research and development innovative goods and services within the federal government before taking them to market. For more on the BCIP, visit www.buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation.
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