Seafaring nations face unique challenges in ensuring the safety, security and sovereignty of their nautical frontiers. Even in times of tranquility they must guard against threats such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, natural resources theft, and uncontrolled mass immigration. And when conflict does arise, these nations must have anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel warfare capabilities to defend against naval incursion or attack. Even before the outbreak of open hostilities, it is imperative that they be able to detect and track hostile naval forces engaged in intelligence gathering and other covert activities.
Sponsored by
To contend with this multitude of threats, organizations tasked with maritime security employ maritime patrol aircraft, coastal radars, naval patrol vessels, submarines and a range of surface and subsurface sensors; but resources are always challenged given the tremendous scope of the endeavor. Moreover, few effective solutions are available to detect and track hostile submarines operating at depth.
In response, IAI’s innovative systems and sensors subsidiary, IAI ELTA, developed BlueWhale™, a unique system with onboard capabilities beyond anything seen before on an uncrewed underwater asset. BlueWhale™ is a stealthy, long-endurance, large displacement uncrewed underwater vehicle (LDUUV) designed to complement conventional submarines and naval forces with autonomous capabilities.
With its modular design and array of available sensors, BlueWhale™ can be configured for a wide range of critical missions: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW); Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR); SEABED warfare; Mine Counter Measures (MCM); Acoustic Intelligence (ACINT); Forward SIGINT scout for Special forces, including landing missions; Forward SIGINT scout for naval task force; and piracy, terrorism and illegal immigration detection.
Special attention has been paid to BlueWhale’s ASW capability. IAI teamed with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, a world leader in the underwater domain, to integrate the company’s Towed Array Sonar (TAS) with BlueWhale™. The synergy between these systems has produced a truly “game changing” solution.
Using Bi-static and Multi-static external active sonar sources, the system delivers the revolutionary ability to extend a submarine barrier over areas that were previously impossible to monitor in an efficient way. Operating undetected with a passive array to a dive depth of 300 meters, BlueWhale™ creates a true dilemma for enemy submarine forces.
The sub-surface sensor suite also includes active and passive Flank Array Sonar (FAS) for the detection of surface vessels and submarines, Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) for mine detection and high-resolution sea bottom mapping, and magnetic sensors for mine detection and verification.
On top, BlueWhale™ features a patented, collapsible mast configured with advanced surface payloads, including a staring radar, electro-optics/IR, R-ESM, and low signature Broad Band SATCOM for real-time data exchange.
Blue Whale’s capabilities were recently demonstrated to great effect by the German Navy within the framework of its Operation OPEX program, geared at introducing innovation to address current and future threats. For two weeks in November 2024, Blue Whale underwent intensive sea trials in the “real world” laboratory of the Baltic. The testing focused on reconnaissance and sonar capabilities, employing a comprehensive and empirical methodology to verify the system’s performance and reliability. The sonar and mast mounted sensors provided a clear, accurate picture of long-range targets, demonstrating ISR capabilities comparable to those of conventional submarines but without endangering operators.
Regarding the trials, the Inspector General of the German Navy, Jan Christian Kaack, recently stated at the Navy Talks in Berlin that Blue Whale “…exceeded our expectations.” He added “And with two or three of these models, I could seal everything off Fehmarn”.
BlueWhale™ is managed via an efficient Command & Control (C2) system, facilitating a continuous Situation Awareness Picture, Call-to-Action commands, events blogger, remote operation and more. A user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) enables effective operation by a small team.
With acquisition and operating costs far lower than conventional systems, and the ability to perform critical missions with complete autonomy, proven over 2,000 diving hours, BlueWhale™ is a true force multiplier that empowers maritime nations to secure the integrity of their territorial waters.
For more information, contact IAI’s experts at market@elta.co.il
