The photonics mast uses various electro-optical sensors, and does not penetrate the submarine hull like a traditional periscope does. The heart of the system is the sensor unit that will protrude through the water. Electronic imaging equipment will replace the prisms and lenses of the old optical periscopes. Each Virginia-class submarine will have two photonics masts, which do not penetrate (retract into) the ship’s hull. Photonics masts operate in place of the traditional submarine periscope aboard Virginia-class attack submarines. Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command announced an $111.8 million contract to L-3 KEO to develop deployable prototypes of the Low Profile Photonics Mast (LPPM). Navy submarine experts needed improved sensor photonics masts for Virginia-class fast attack submarines to improve stealthiness and survivability. New photonics sensor masts to improve submarine stealth and survivability AN/BLQ-10 submarine EW system, provides automatic detection, classification, localization, and identification of potentially hostile radar and communications signals at sea. The photonics mast provides the imaging, navigation, electronic warfare and communications functions of a conventional optical periscope, according to U.S. There is also a mission critical control camera in a separate, pressure-proof and shock-hardened housing, and an eyesafe laser range finder that provides accurate target ranges and aids in navigation. The masts are equipped with three cameras, including a color camera, a high-resolution black-and-white camera and an infrared camera, to provide imaging for the submarine. This multiple electro-optical sensor is located in a rotating head. A photonics mast replaces the mechanical, line-of-sight viewing system with digital equipment, similar to a digital camera array, and it has fewer locational and dimensional constraints than a traditional periscope.Įlectronic imaging equipment will replace the prisms and lenses of the old optical periscopes. The second problem is that periscopes can accommodate only one person at a time. With advancements in technology, countries are replacing periscopes with photonics mast, which is sensor-based digital viewing equipment.Ī photonics mast (or optronics mast) is a sensor on a submarine which functions similarly to a periscope without requiring a periscope tube, thus freeing design space during construction and limiting risks of water leakage in the event of damage. First, a periscope well runs the entire height of the ship to house the periscope, and its size restricts the arrangement of the sail and interior compartments. There are two problems with conventional optical periscopes. To overcome this issue, submarines are being installed with antennas that can be raised above the water surface level, and employ ordinary radio transmissions for communication. As radio waves cannot propagate in water, communication with submarines is difficult. It is a complex platform that includes multiple components.
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