Revolutionizing Naval Warfare: First S2150 Hull Mount Sonar Debuts on HMS Portland

HMS Portland Implements Advanced Hull Mounted Sonar Type 2150

HMS Portland has become the inaugural vessel equipped with Ultra’s cutting-edge Hull Mounted Sonar Type 2150, as part of an extensive upgrade for the Royal Navy’s frigates.

This sonar system has been meticulously crafted by Ultra Electronics Command & Sonar Systems to replace the older Sonar Type 2050, which has been operational within the Royal Navy since the 1990s. The new sonar features a sophisticated user interface aimed at enhancing operator efficiency and ease of use. Its digital control system for the outboard array minimizes interference, diminishes vessel cabling requirements, maximizes reliability, and prolongs maintenance intervals for the array to a minimum of five years. This advanced sonar will be integrated into eight of the Royal Navy Type 23 frigates, and Ultra has secured a contract to furnish this sonar for the initial three Royal Navy Type 26 frigates that are currently in development.

As part of Ultra’s ‘Sea Searcher’ sonar portfolio, two lighter and more compact variants of the Type 2150 Hull Mount Sonar have also been engineered for naval vessels weighing up to 1,000 tonnes and 2,000 tonnes, respectively.

Featuring state-of-the-art onboard processing and inventive user displays, this series of sonar systems delivers a formidable Anti-Submarine Warfare capability for patrol boats, frigates, and various other vessels globally.

Mike Williams, Managing Director of Ultra Electronics Command & Sonar Systems, remarked: “Achieving this notable milestone has been pivotal for Ultra. The project team has successfully designed and developed a system that enhances user operability while significantly lowering life cycle costs and onboard footprint. Their performance has been exceptional.”