Euronaval 2016: Leonardo discloses new Active Towed Array Sonar system.

ATAS was designed to equip the Italian Navy’s new multi-purpose off-shore patrol vessels (PPAs) and can be used in combat operations at a variety of depths to over 300m. The sensor is dramatically smaller and lighter than other active sonars with a similar range, measuring just one metre long and weighing only eight tonnes.

ATAS offers high performance detection that amid the ocean overcomes the first acoustic convergence zone, that is at up to 40km in the Atlantic Ocean in certain seasons.

The new sensor uses low and medium sonar frequencies, providing simultaneous, panoramic surveillance in active and passive modes. This enables ATAS to acquire and record target characteristics data. The sensor can also automatically extract the acoustic characteristics of targets and, by comparing this data with its internal database, quickly identify the threat. ATAS is the latest product of Leonardo’s 150 years of experience in underwater weapons systems. The company’s products have been selected, and are in operation, in over 30 countries.