Atlas Elektronik to provide Cerberus portable diver detection sonar for the German Navy F125 frigate

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK will deliver portable Diver Detection Sonars for installation on the latest frigate of the German Navy, Type F125. ATLAS, a leading supplier of naval electronic systems, has been awarded a contract by the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) for the supply of four Cerberus Mod2 portable Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) systems for the four F125 frigates and a fifth system for training purposes. The first system delivery is scheduled for 2012.

Developed by the British subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK, the Cerberus Mod2 sonar will be the first installation of a DDS on a NATO vessel. Cerberus serves to protect military vessels from under-water threats by alerting the operators to the presence of divers, swimmers, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). The system is ideally suited for expedi-tionary use on platforms such as the F125 which will conduct forward operations in potentially hos-tile areas during times of conflict. 

The system can be operated remotely from the ship’s bridge as well as from a processing and dis-play unit below deck. Cerberus can also be operated completely independently from ships systems with the exception of power which is taken from the ships standard power supply. By positioning several sonars at suitable locations in harbours, wide expanses can be monitored and large numbers of vessels protected. The DDS automatically compensates for ship motion.

Cerberus displays the surrounding area on a sea chart. The position and bearing of the host ship are updated constantly. Once initialized, the DDS generates a visual and acoustic alert to warn against targets approaching in the water. It is therefore not necessary to permanently watch the display.

Thanks to its low weight of 23 kilograms and compact construction, the system can be deployed without the need for a crane or davit; its components can easily be carried and operated by one person. 

Cerberus Mod2 meets all the relevant national and international military standards (BV and MIL).

James Young, Head of the Surface Ships Division of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK, added: “We are delighted with the award of this contract to provide an important security system for the German Navy. Once again, it reinforces our position as a class leader in design, development and supply of high performance Diver Detection Systems, which has been built on our heritage of advanced sonar processing and hardware design. This is a first of many systems to be delivered by us to the war-ship market. Hopefully our other naval customers will follow suit and select the Cerberus system for its superior performance and competitive price ahead of our competitors”.