Domes, Cones & Cylinder shaped sensors
Posted: 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.
First; 'Shaman' CESM antenna/array configuration on HMS Defender (D36)
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).
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)
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).