Advanced Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle for Comprehensive Maritime defence
Seafaring nations face unique challenges in ensuring the safety, security, and sovereignty of their territorial waters. Even in times of tranquility, coastal and isle nations must secure their nautical frontiers against threats such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, natural resources theft, and uncontrolled mass immigration. When conflict arises, 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.
The Need for Effective Maritime Domain Awareness
To contend with the multitude of challenges, organizations tasked with maritime security must be equipped to achieve effective Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Maritime Patrol Aircraft, coastal radars, naval patrol vessels, submarines, and a range of surface and subsurface sensors play important roles in supporting this goal, 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.
Introducing BlueWhale: A Game-Changing Solution
In response ELTA Systems Ltd. (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.
BlueWhale™ System ELI-3325: Autonomous Submarine System
Versatile and Advanced Capabilities
IAI ELTA’s expertise in systems and sensors design and development, together with a modular hull design, enables BlueWhale to be effectively 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 real-time video support for landing missions; Forward SIGINT scout for naval task force; and piracy, terrorism, and illegal immigration detection.
Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare
Special attention has been paid to BlueWhale’s ASW capability. To maximize the platform’s performance in this critical area, IAI ELTA 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.
Revolutionary Detection and Tracking
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 efficiently. Operating undetected with a passive array to a dive depth of 300 meters, BlueWhale creates a true dilemma for enemy submarine forces. This important capability was demonstrated to tremendous effect on a daily basis as part of NATO task force during the REPMUS exercises.
Comprehensive Sensor Suite
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.
Advanced Surface Payloads
On top, BlueWhale features a patented, collapsible mast configured with advanced surface payloads, including staring radar, electro-optics/IR, R-ESM, and low signature Broad Band SATCOM for real-time data exchange.
Efficient Command and Control
BlueWhale is managed via an efficient Command & Control (C2) system, which facilitates a continuous Situation Awareness Picture, Call-to-Action commands, events blogger, remote operation, and more. A user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) enables the system to be effectively operated by only two personnel, a LDUUV operator and a payload (sonar) specialist.
Cost-Effective and Autonomous
With acquisition and operating costs far lower than that of conventional systems, and the proven ability to effectively perform critical missions with complete autonomy proven well over 2,000 diving hours, BlueWhale is a true force multiplier that empowers maritime nations to secure the integrity of their territorial waters.
