Patria press release
The Royal Norwegian Navy has now the most advanced acoustic minesweeping capability, as endorsed by the squadron commander, Commander Bengt Berdal:
“We are excited to operate Patria SONAC ACS as part of our MCM influence mine sweeping system following the recent retirement of our high-end ELMA-AGATE sweep. SONAC ACS has so far offered excellent handling and very promising performance, operation and reliability. The Norwegian Navy considers this new influence minesweeping capability as one of the most sophisticated influence minesweeping in service today.”
Patria SONAC ACS is an essential asset for efficiently clearing influence minefields. It outsmarts advanced mine algorithms with its superior acoustics, capable of generating high sound pressure across a broad frequency range with excellent sound quality. Patria SONAC ACS can effectively simulate any ship’s sound and is suitable for Mine Setting Mode (MSM) and Target Simulation Mode (TSM).
Patria developed the system using its unique expertise in vessel signature measurement, influence mine technologies, and minesweeping.
The remote operation of the acoustic sweeping gear is easy and simple in real-time. During the mission, the operator selects the desired acoustic signal from a signature library and initiates the acoustic sweeping with it. Alternatively, operator can design a custom signal for acoustic sweeping when needed. During the sweeping, smooth operation is enabled by user-friendly interface that provides controls and settings for the sweep as well as views to monitor status of the system.
Patria SONAC ACS is a compact and light-weighted acoustic sweep system that is easy to integrate, handle and operate in modern USV based minesweeping operations.
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About Patria SONAC ACS
Patria’s acoustic mine sweep is specially designed for sweeping influence mines with advanced acoustic triggering. Its compact, lightweight size is designed for use with unmanned craft. The streamlined cylindrical tow body is designed to minimize drag while also allowing mounting into an external frame or to be used together with a float.
Patria SONAC ACS is able to produce high sound pressure over a wide frequency band (from infra- to ultrasonic bands), essentially capable of effectively simulating any ship. Patria SONAC ACS is especially suitable for TSM (target simulation mode) because it can transmit any acoustic waveform signals.
The real-time operation of the acoustic sweeping gear is easy. During the mission, the operator can just select the desired acoustic signal from a signature library and start the acoustic sweeping with it. Alternatively, operator can design a custom signal for acoustic sweeping when needed. During the sweeping, smooth operation is enabled by user-friendly interface that provides controls and settings for the sweep as well as views to monitor status of the system.
Technical details
▪ Length: 260 cm
▪ Diameter: 68 cm
▪ Weight in air: 400 – 500 kg
▪ Weight in water: 180 – 220 kg
▪ Frequency range: 7 Hz – 70 kHz
▪ Data interface: Ethernet
▪ Shock tested
▪ Tow drag at 6 knots without cabling: <2kN
