UK-based Tods Defence Limited have announced the completion and delivery of the first of three Bow Sonar Domes for the new ‘Hobart Class’ Royal Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyers.
The new Class of vessel is being built and developed by the Air Warfare Alliance, comprising of the Defence Material Organisation, Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and Raytheon Australia. The Tods Bow Sonar Dome is part of the bow section module being produced by Navantia in Spain and is specifically designed to protect the underwater warfare detection systems and sensors whilst maximising their operational capabilities.
Variants of the proven Tods Sonar Domes are installed on numerous platforms worldwide including, the Spanish F100 and Norwegian F310 ships built by Navantia in Spain, the Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer and the, US Navy DDG 1000 Zumwalt Destroyer.
Steve Burton, Managing Director Tods Defence says: “The Bow Sonar Domes for the Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyers is a continuation of our long-standing partnership with the Australian naval industry. TODS have worked closely with ASC, and we have designed and built and advanced enclosure which will provide optimum operational performance”
Tods Defence are also integrated in the through-life service support for the Australian Collins Class submarine programme, providing hydrodynamic fairings as part of a later update programme, whilst being the original supplier of the first three Bow Sonar Domes.