Systems Architecture for Generic Torpedo Defence System for Surface Ships

Protecting war ships from torpedo attack is considered as the most challenging task in Anti-Submarine Warfare. Torpedo Defence System (TDS) is an essential fitment on modern high value platforms. Timely detection and identification of a torpedo attack is the primary function of a TDS. Localisation and countermeasures against the weapon are the next stage in torpedo defence. Detection of modern torpedoes with long endurance can only be achieved using an underwater sensor suit with wide frequency coverage. Tactical use of multiple counter measures is essential for evading an attacking torpedo with intelligent homing mechanism. Individual sensors and counter measures are no longer considered as a solution; they are rather considered as components of a large network of systems to protect the platform from torpedo attack. A System of Systems (SOS) architecture with multiple sensors, processing techniques, countermeasures and tactics are presented in this paper for achieving fail-safe torpedo defence capability.