Low frequency active sonar

Initial research on experimental ALF system

We believe sonar research can only be successful through intensive experimentation at sea. For that reason, we conduct annual LFAS experiments at sea, working closely with the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation.

We began research into the experimental ALF system in 1990. This was in collaboration with Thales Underwater Systems for the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Testing with new type of LFAS system

We’re currently testing new concepts and algorithms at sea using the successor to the ALF system. This semi-operational Interim Removable LFAS system consists of the Socrates Sonar Source, which we developed. This system is also used by the Royal Netherlands Navy on board operational platforms to gain operational experience.

This new type of sonar brings new scientific challenges, which we’re keen to tackle through research. Our research topics are waveform design, array processing, false alarm reduction, wide-band sonar signal processing, and sonar performance prediction.

This research programme has led the Royal Netherlands Navy to purchase an operational LFAS (Multistatic Active Passive System) from Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems, with signal processing supplied by TNO.