US Navy Receives First CAPTAS-4 Sonar For Constellation Class Frigates

The first CAPTAS-4 sonar for the U.S. Navy’s Constellation class Frigates (FFG) was delivered by Thales’ subsidiary Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC), marking a significant milestone. The delivery, made possible by AAC, demonstrates the effectiveness and expertise of Thales’ products and services. The CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar (VDS) has completed all program milestones and was awarded a contract in May 2022 by prime contractor Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM).

The CAPTAS-4 system has arrived in the United States and is ready to be installed on the first Constellation-class frigate (FFG-62). The accomplishment is remarkable since the CAPTAS-4 has been acknowledged for its outstanding capabilities in coalition exercises involving undersea warfare, which makes it an invaluable asset for identifying, tracking, and classifying stealthy submarines.

The timely delivery of the first CAPTAS-4 variable-depth sonar transmitter to the U.S. Navy’s Constellation Frigate Program (FFG-62) highlights Thales’s competence as a reliable partner to global navies. On October 12, 2023, AAC delivered the system, adhering to strict deadlines while fulfilling contractual goals. The CAPTAS-4, widely regarded as the industry leader in underwater variable depth active systems, has proven performance and dependability, which will benefit the U.S. Navy.

Thales has been recognised as the world’s top exporter of sonar and has over 50 years of experience in undersea warfare. The CAPTAS family, which includes the CAPTAS-4, consists of low-frequency variable-immersion sonars designed for anti-submarine warfare. The French, British, and Italian fleets have all evaluated the CAPTAS-4 over its prolonged testing program, which has solidified the system’s advancement in technology and performance worldwide. Furthermore, Thales’ excellence in sonar technology has been acknowledged through prestigious awards, such as the Hook’Em Award, received by French multi-mission frigates equipped with the CAPTAS-4 system.

Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, Vice President of Underwater Systems at Thales, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering advanced ASW systems to the U.S. Navy and significant U.S. prime contractors. Mike Carnovale, President and CEO of AAC, emphasised AAC’s pride in providing the first CAPTAS-4 system for the U.S. Navy’s FFG-62 and their dedication to supporting this critical ASW capability in the future.

Thales intends to continue its work with FMM and the U.S. Navy, with plans to deliver and support additional CAPTAS-4 transmitters under the present contract. Establishing a novel CAPTAS manufacturing plant close to Uniontown, Pennsylvania, underlines Thales’ dedication to fulfilling the dynamic requirements of naval defence.

Reference: Thales

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