New Zealand’s navy to use Canadian-made sonar arrays
by Canadian Manufacturing Staff
System ordered by Royal New Zealand Navy used in naval ships to detect, classify and localize incoming torpedoes
DARTMOUTH, N.S.—Nova Scotia-based Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. said it is supplying tower sonar arrays to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) as part of an $18-million contract awarded to its British sister company.
According to Ultra, it will supply the towed arrays to United Kingdom-based Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, which will ultimately be used by the RNZN.
The Canadian content will go towards the $18-million contract for two Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence systems for the RNZN Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) program.
The Canadian towed array is the key acoustic sensor for Sea Sentor, a system installed in naval ships to detect, classify and localize incoming torpedoes, and to activate countermeasures against them.
“I am very proud to be extending our made-in-Canada solutions deeper into international waters with the Royal New Zealand Navy,” Ultra president Ken Walker said in a release. “This contract is proof that Ultra continues to provide world-class sonar systems.”
Ultra designs, develops, and manufactures various towed arrays for surface ships and submarines at its facility in Dartmouth, N.S.
New Zealand joins Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, The Netherlands, and Turkey in the company’s portfolio of international customers.
