Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

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Little h
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Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Yes, the Type 45 Daring Class Destroyers have all of those described above; but we shouldn't forget the addition of the tapered, slotted omni-directional D/F Array fitted around the Comms mainmast as part of the 'Shaman' CESM antenna/array configuration on HMS Defender (D36). Neither should we forget the re-emergence of deck-edge antenna/arrays along the ship sides port and starboard.

In this short series of posts under the above thread title, I will include a number of images showing some of the variations observed in various photographs and/or articles.

First; 'Shaman' CESM antenna/array configuration on HMS Defender (D36)
, Upgraded HMS Defender returns to the active fleet 1014x487 SaveTheRoyalNavy.jpg


The following excerpt is taken from here; under an article titled 'HMS Defender returns to the fleet fitted for intelligence gathering' dated August 7, 2018.

Shaman

HMS Defender is now the described as “the most capable Type 45 in the Fleet.” The main upgrade in capability was the installation of the Shaman communications electronic support measures (CESM) fit to used to gather signals intelligence (SIGINT). The AS-4692 VHF/UHF tapered slotted array direction finding/acquisition array is fitted on the upper part of the pole mast. The AS-4293A VHF/UHF omnidirectional acquisition arrays are fitted half way up the foremast and on the hangar roof. Small HF antennas can be seen mounted on the deck edge amidships, two each port and starboard, just above the retractable companionway ladders.

Shaman is based on the US Navy’s AN/SSQ-130(V) Ship Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F cryptologic exploitation system. 7 sets have been purchased from the United States at a cost of around $90M and will eventually equip all 6 Type 45s, plus a set for shore-based training. Also included are spares, training packages and support equipment. US personnel were sent to Portsmouth to assist in the initial stages of this sensitive project.

In simple terms, CESM allow the passive interception of adversaries transmissions across a broad part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The system can analyse, geolocate and in some cases may be able to decode encrypted communications. In a naval context, a warship may loiter off a coastline and be able to record signals from mobile phones and military and government radio communications. At sea, intercepts may provide critical detail and forewarning about the actions of adversary’s naval units. It is probable that the communications and capabilities of even our closest allies are also monitored to some extent.

The precise details of this sensitive subject are obviously highly classified but the exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum by both states and non-state actors is a rapidly evolving art. Continued investment in a broad range of intelligence collection and analysis assets are critical to UK defence. Intelligence gathered at sea may provide part of the picture and be passed to military intelligence agencies and GCHQ that can assess capability and intent by potentially hostile actors.

Further articles were carried here titled:-
Sea Platforms
First UK Type 45 at sea with Shaman CESM fit
Richard Scott, London - Jane's Navy International
05 June 2018

and repeated here under Military and Commercial Technology.

Attachments
1st; is an 'as observed in refit' image, which shows the dome (within red circle) mounted on the fwd facing panels of foremast.
Note that the stub platform (red arrow) on port facing panels are without a dome.
The Comms Mainmast has been fitted with the tapered, slotted omni-directional D/F Array (within red hex outline).

2nd; showing 'three' deck-edge antenna (indicated by blue arrows) mounted on the tumblehome on ship side (port).
3rd; might this possibly be(??) a 'fourth' deck-edge antenna (indicated by the red arrow) mounted on the ship side below the flight deck? I believe it is a possibility much akin to an antenna on the Type 22 frigates.
4th; view from the back of the flight deck looking forward and up - showing the new 'Shaman' associated aft dome above the hangar shutter(s) (within red circle), plus the now accustomed dome on port side (red arrow) - but identifying a) the absence of the now accustomed cone (orange arrow) and the absence of the previouly installed mounting bracket (for Scorpion II antenna) port side of hangar shutter(s).
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Last edited by Little h on Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Little h
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jbryce1437
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by jbryce1437 »

A great post h and pleased to see you have mastered all matters for linking attachments and urls's :)

Jim
HMS Raleigh 1963 , HMS Collingwood 1963 & 67 , HMS Ark Royal 1964-7, HMS Undaunted 1968-71, HMS Victory (Fleet Maintenance Group) 1971-72, HMS Exmouth 1972-74
JEM, EM, OEM, LOEM, POOEL
Then 28 years in the Fire Brigade
Retired since 2002
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Little h wrote: Fri Aug 17, 2018 8:21 pm Yes, the Type 45 Daring Class Destroyers have all of those described above; but we shouldn't forget the addition of the tapered, slotted omni-directional D/F Array fitted around the Comms mainmast as part of the 'Shaman' CESM antenna/array configuration on HMS Defender (D36). Neither should we forget the re-emergence of deck-edge antenna/arrays along the ship sides port and starboard.

In this short series of posts under the above thread title, I will include a number of images showing some of the variations observed in various photographs and/or articles.
Second in the short series.

, Defender refit (cold move) DEn9it4WAAETlm2 twitter.jpg
Attachments[/u]

Attachments
Above; An image showing Defender (D36) during a cold harbour move whilst undergoing the refit that included the installation of the 'Shaman' CESM system and visible antenna.
Below; Derived from an image by WNSF member 'gibdan' taken June 2014; (included as a comparison with the 4th attachment in earlier post)
- view from the back of the flight deck looking forward and up - showing the then accustomed (pre 'Shaman') dome (red arrow) and cone (orange arrow) installations above the hangar shutter(s). Note the (pre 'Shaman') mounting bracket (for Scorpion II antenna) port side of hangar shutter(s).
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Last edited by Little h on Fri Aug 17, 2018 10:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

jbryce1437 wrote: Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:17 pm A great post h and pleased to see you have mastered all matters for linking attachments and urls's :)

Jim
Yess'm Sirree Jim :D :D
Little h
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Third in this short series.

All attachments are pre 'Shaman' and are included to show variations (or similarities) between some of the class.

, HMS Daring & HMS Diamond - 070916 (41) gibdan.jpg

Attachments
Above; at Gibraltar 7th September 2016. Daring (D32) passing Diamond (D34) berthed alongside south mole.

Below;
1st; at Gibraltar 10th Sept 2016. Diamond (D34) -taken wide off stbd bow showing a mounted pair of domes configured fore & aft (within red circle) on stbd side foremast.
2nd; at Gibraltar 8th Sept 2016. Diamond (D34) -taken wide off port bow showing a mounted pair of domes configured fore & aft (within red circle) on port side foremast.

3rd; at Gibraltar 7th Sept 2016. Daring (D32) -taken high and wide off stbd bow showing a mounted pair of domes configured fore & aft (within red circle) on stbd side foremast.
4th; at Gibraltar 7th Sept 2016. Daring (D32) -taken high and wide off port bow showing a mounted pair of domes configured fore & aft (within red circle) on port side foremast.
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Little h
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Two images only,
1st
Daring (D32) - apparently still configured as at September 2016 whilst at Gibraltar
HMS Daring (Front) and China ship (Rear) docked at Karachi Harbour, for Multinational Exercise AMAN 17 Feb 10, 2017
, HMS Daring at Karachi Harbour, 17 Feb 10, 2017.jpg



2nd
Dragon (D35) - 14th August 2018 now sporting a pair of domes, configured fore & aft on stbd side of foremast - this installation(fit) is clearly within the 'Shaman' period.
, HMS Dragon D35 Dkf6pOmXoAANh-x StRN twitter 14.8.18.jpg
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ivorthediver
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by ivorthediver »

All I can say Harry is thank gawd your on our side mate , but thanks for the intel
"What Ever Floats your Boat"
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Type 23 Duke Class Frigates

The Type 23 Duke Class Frigates are also so adorned with a variety of all those sensor types/shapes described above. Ships in the class are fitted out with various combinations of said equipment mounted on both mast structures, also on the superstructure.

In this short series of posts relating to the Type 23 Duke Class Frigates, I will include a number of images showing some of the variations observed in various photographs and/or articles. Some of these images may have been included previously in the WNSF.

Foremast yardarms; Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

1st Cone stbd yardarm and Dome port yardarm
. hms kent 45158511 feb 2015 LA(Phot) Simmo Simpson (2).jpg
. hms kent 45158509 (2).jpg

2nd Cone stbd yardarm and Cylinder shape port yardarm
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Last edited by Little h on Wed Aug 22, 2018 10:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Type 23 Duke Class Frigates

The Type 23 Duke Class Frigates are also so adorned with a variety of all those sensor types/shapes described above. Ships in the class are fitted out with various combinations of said equipment mounted on both mast structures, also on the superstructure.

In this short series of posts relating to the Type 23 Duke Class Frigates, I will include a number of images showing some of the variations observed in various photographs and/or articles. Some of these images may have been included previously in the WNSF.

Dome mounted aft on the Comms mainmast (solid red arrow) - plus Cones (red arrow) and Domes (red arrow solid arrowhead) on Foremast; also showing the installation of Domes port and stbd mounted on the bridge superstructure bulwarks way aft along either bridge wing walkway (orange arrow).

Three images of HMS Monmouth F235 showing the installations as described above.
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Little h
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Re: Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors

Unread post by Little h »

Type 23 Duke Class Frigates


The Type 23 Duke Class Frigates are also so adorned with a variety of all those sensor types/shapes described above. Ships in the class are fitted out with various combinations of said equipment mounted on both mast structures, also on the superstructure.

In this short series of posts relating to the Type 23 Duke Class Frigates, I will include a number of images showing some of the variations observed in various photographs and/or articles. Some of these images may have been included previously in the WNSF.

A) Showing the installation of the Dome (orange arrow) mounted high on the bulwark of bridge superstructure, way aft along the bridge wing walkway towards the foremast, on the stbd side.

1st; Iron Duke F234 - taken from high and wide off stbd bow.
. DR150119012SP HMS Iron Duke moduk.jpg

2nd; Portland F79 - close up view of the dome.
. HMS Portland come home 3-2017 Screenshot (4) - Copy.jpg




B) Iron Duke F234; showing an unidentifed stub aerial/antenna (?) (dark red arrow with centre line) mounted immediately aft of the the Dome (orange arrow).
, HMS Iron Duke F234 IMG_1074 wobiektywieshipspottera.blogspot.co.uk 2015.09 (2).jpg




C) Sutherland F81; showing another unidentified aerial array comprised of three elements, (all indicated within yellow outlines). The three elements are:- top - a canister/cylinder shaped dome; middle - a cone tapered towards it's top; bottom - a stub: All the elements are mounted on a pole, the dome mounted atop same whilst the lower two elements are on brackets projecting outboard at different angles to the centre line.
, HMS Sutherland F81 twitter account DkOdzrrXcAEzvcD August 2018 (3).jpg
, HMS Sutherland F81 twitter account DkOdzrrXcAEzvcD August 2018.jpg
Note. This feature at C) above was only observed on the occasion of Sutherland F81 return to UK August 2018
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