ENGINES
Submarines of all types were equipped with diesel engines and electric motors. Diesels provided the surface movement of the boat, and electric motors - underwater. The diesel engines that rotated the propeller shafts were mounted on very powerful supports. They occupied almost the entire space of the engine room, so that only a narrow passage remained between them. The heat and the smell of fuel made it extremely difficult to work in the engine room, and it was also very crowded, which made it very difficult to eliminate many mechanical problems.
Small submarines of the II series were usually equipped with 350 hp diesel engines. and electric motors with a capacity of 180 or 205 hp. Larger boats of the VII series were first equipped with two 1160 hp diesel engines, and later F46 brand engines from F. Krupp Germaniawerft AG(on most boats) or similar engines brand M6V 40/46 from MAN 1400 hp Diesels of the company F. Krupp Germaniawerft AG were considered less economical, but much more reliable, however, in the conditions of mass construction of boats, refuse from diesel engines of the company MAN German shipbuilders could not. Electric motors of submarines of the VII series had a power of 375 hp. Diesels of the company MAN brand M9V 40/46 with a power of 2200 hp were installed on the oceanic (cruising) boats of the IX series, however, they turned out to be more prone to roll (the center of gravity is higher than that of the V-shaped), which, with an overly lightweight design, led to frequent breakdowns. Boats of the IX series usually had electric motors with a power of 500 hp, however, on the "electric boats" of the XXI series, the power of the electric motors was 2500 hp, which had an important role in the underwater course. The electric motors were mounted on the same propeller shafts as the diesels and so they ran at idle when the boat was running on the diesels; the latter at the same time set in motion generators that recharge batteries. The main suppliers of electric motors were firms Siemens, AEG and Brown-Boveri.
SNORKEL
The snorkel was a tube that allowed submarines to go at periscope depth on diesel engines. In 1943, when losses among submariners began to grow, snorkels appeared on boats of the VIIC and IXC types, they were also incorporated into the design of the XXI and XXIII series boats being created. Submarines began to use the novelty in combat in the first months of 1944, and by June of that year, about half of the boats stationed in France were equipped with them.
A radar detector antenna was mounted on the upper head of the snorkel to warn the submarine of the proximity of the enemy, when the upper end of the snorkel could be exposed to the radar of an aircraft or surface ship. At the same time, the antenna mounted on the snorkel was also used for radio communications. For greater secrecy, the part of the snorkel located above the surface of the water was covered with an electromagnetic energy-absorbing layer, which reduced the range of its detection by radar means. On boats of the VII series, the snorkels were retracted forward and stored in a recess on the left side of the hull, and on submarines of the IX series, this recess was on the starboard side. More modern boats of the XXI and XXIII series had telescopic snorkels that rose vertically from the conning tower next to the periscope.
However, snorkels were not without drawbacks. The main one was as follows: when the automatic valves were tightly closed to prevent sea water from entering the diesel engines, the engines began to pump air out of the boat, which caused its rarefaction and, accordingly, respiratory pain and ruptured eardrums for crew members.
COUNTER
The central place in the complex of torpedo armament of the submarine was occupied by the calculating-deciding device (CRP) located in the conning tower. Mechanically, it received data on the course of the submarine and its speed, as well as the direction to the target read from the azimuthal circle of the periscope (in the submerged position) or the fire control device (PUS) (in the surface position).
On the very first boats of series I and II, there was no equipment at all for setting the gyroscopic angle, respectively, after launching the torpedoes went straight. The captain calculated the necessary data for firing through the periscope, after which they were transmitted by voice to the torpedoists and the value of the gyroscope angle of rotation was manually entered into the torpedoes. The launch command was given by the commander or the first watch officer, shouting it through the hatch into the central post and into the torpedo compartment - the torpedo operator, after which he pressed the torpedo launch button.
However, in 1938, with the start of serial production of boats of the VII and IX series, the situation changed for the better. The need for voice commands has disappeared due to the introduction of an improved calculating device, called T.Vh.Re.S.1. Now the data was transferred to the torpedo compartment automatically, where it was displayed on the scoreboard, after which the change in the depth of travel and the angle of rotation of the gyroscope of the torpedoes was carried out by the torpedoists again manually directly in the torpedo compartment. The improvement of torpedo armament made it possible to introduce a gyroscopic angle of ± 90 degrees.
In 1939, they combined all the elements into one common device and received the T.Vh.Re.S.2 calculating and decisive device. This device was mounted on the wall of the conning tower and at the time of the attack was serviced by a boatswain in the rank of sergeant major or oberfeldwebel. The boatswain manually entered the course, the speed of the submarine and the bearing to the target into the device. The speed was set by the commander to the helmsman, the course was read from the gyrocompass repeater, the bearing to the target - when attacking from a submerged position from the azimuth circle of the periscope and when attacking from a surface position from a fire control device - powerful binoculars in a rugged case mounted on a bridge on a pedestal with a special stand. According to the commands of the commander, seven other parameters were entered in strict sequence: the depth of the torpedo, the speed of the torpedo, the speed of the target, the position of the target (to the right or left along the course), the heading angle of the target, the distance to the target and the length of the target. Within a few seconds after that, the device calculated all the data necessary for firing, which entered the control panel in the torpedo room and were taken into account during launch.
The last option, called T.Vh.Re.S.3, made it possible to enter data into torpedoes directly from the calculating device, but this affected the size of the entire torpedo firing control system and it was moved to the central post, with the exception of those remaining in the wheelhouse of the data entry console and the firing control rack. The command to launch torpedoes was received automatically by pressing the buttons on the firing control rack.
ENIGMA ENIGMA MACHINE
By the beginning of World War II, the Germans were no longer limited to unreliable cipher books, more and more complex technical devices were created to encode messages.
In the Navy, the Germans made extensive use of Enigma cipher machines, which were electromechanical machines about the size of a portable typewriter with a standard keyboard. These devices were quite simple and easy to use. They were battery operated and portable. Having prepared the device for operation, the operator typed a message in clear text, as on a regular typewriter. "Enigma" automatically performed encryption and highlighted the corresponding encrypted letters. The second operator rewrote them and sent them by radio to the addressee. At the receiving end, the process was reversed.
The principle of encryption was to replace the letters of the encrypted text with other letters. Simplistically, the principle of operation of the Enigma encryption machine is as follows. The machine included three (and later more) rotating encoders (rotors), each of which was a thick rubber wheel pierced with wires and having 26 input and output contacts according to the number of letters. Since the encoders were interconnected, when the letter key was pressed, the electrical signal passed through three encoders, then the signal passed through the conductors of the reflector and returned through three encoders, highlighting the encrypted letter. The mutual arrangement of the encoders and their initial positions determined the key of the current day.
In more detail, the device and the principle of operation of the Enigma encryption machine are discussed in the article "Enigma Cipher Machine" on the page of the "Facts" section.
In the first years of the war, Great Britain suffered considerable losses from German submarines, which is why it was so important for British intelligence to “break” the Enigma cipher. The best mathematicians and engineers were thrown to decipher the German codes, and a group of cryptographers settled in the Bletchley Park estate. To understand the principle of operation of "Enigma", it was necessary to obtain a copy of this cipher machine. The British Intelligence Agency planned to stage the crash of a captured German plane over the English Channel in order to lure a submarine and capture the Enigma, but they did without it. The cipher machine was removed in March 1941 from the captured German minesweeper "Krebs", in May - from the meteorological ship "Munich", then from several more transport ships. As it turned out, the Germans placed machines of a similar type both on submarines and on ordinary lightly armed ships. True, special code magazines were used on the submarines; without them, it was extremely difficult to unravel the cipher. On May 9, 1941, the British managed to capture the German submarine U-110, and the Enigma, along with the code logs, soon ended up in Bletchley Park.
When the British convoys, using the intercepted data, began to successfully leave the submarines and sink them, the Germans guessed that their cipher had been solved. In February 1942, the Enigma was improved by adding another rotor, but on October 30, 1942, the code logs for the new machine were captured on the submarine U-559. Using the information received, mathematicians were able to unravel the principle of the machine, which ultimately led to the fact that in 1943 the Germans finally lost control of the Atlantic Ocean.
SONAR
Early submarines were first equipped with an acoustic noise detection device known as "group sonar", or GHG. It consisted of 11 (later 24) hydrophones placed in the bow of the light hull in a semicircle around the stock of the bow horizontal rudders and connected to the receiver in the second compartment. Since acoustic sensors were mounted in the bow of the boat along the sides of the hull, the accuracy of detecting the noise source was acceptable only if the direction-finding ship was abeam the boat.
A more advanced instrument for detecting acoustic noise was the "scanning sonar", or KDB. It was a rotating retractable rod in the bow of the hull, on which six hydrophones were mounted. The antenna was located on the upper deck immediately behind the net cutter, but its main drawback was weak protection against depth charges, so the installation of this modification was soon abandoned.
During the last years of the war, acoustic noise detection devices were improved. A so-called "balcony sonar" was created, which provided a wider field of view compared to the GHG and KDB. All 24 hydrophones were mounted inside a balcony-shaped fairing at the bottom of the bow of the boat. The new scheme had highest precision direction finding (it was even mechanically connected to the torpedo fire control PSA), with the exception of a narrow sector of 60 °, which was directly aft. The "balcony sonar" was developed for boats of the XXI series and did not find wide application on boats of the VII and IX series.
The S-Gerat sonar - the main reason for the improvement of the boats of the VII series from type B to type C - did not appear on the boats. This device was considered, first of all, as a means of detecting anchor mines, which were absent in the vastness of the Atlantic. In addition, the German submariners did not want to have any equipment on board that could unmask the submarine with its work.
RADAR
Basic radar equipment began to be installed on submarines in the summer of 1940. The first operational model was the FuMO29 type radar. It was used mainly on boats of the IX series, but was also found on several boats of the VII series, it was easily recognizable by two horizontal rows of eight dipoles in front of the wheelhouse. In the upper row were the antennas of the transmitters, in the lower row were the antennas of the receivers. The detection range of a large ship by the station was 6-8 km, an aircraft flying at an altitude of 500 m - 15 km, the accuracy of determining the direction was 5 °.
In an improved version of the FuMO30 radar, introduced in 1942, the dipoles mounted on the wheelhouse were replaced by a retractable, so-called "mattress" antenna measuring 1 x 1.5 m, which was removed into a slotted niche inside the wheelhouse wall. The equipment did not detect all enemy ships due to the fact that the antenna did not extend very high above the surface of the water, unlike surface ships. In addition, due to signal reflections from waves during a storm, strong interference arose, and enemy ships were often visually detected before the radar. Only a few submarines received this version of the radar.
The last modified example, the FuMO61, was a maritime version of the FuMG200 Hohentwil night fighter radar. It entered service in March 1944 and was not much better than the FuMO30, but proved effective tool aircraft detection. He worked at a wavelength of 54-58 cm and had an antenna almost identical to the FuMO30. The detection range of large ships was 8-10 km, aircraft 15-20 km, direction finding accuracy was 1-2 °.
RADAR DETECTORS
The FuMB1 "Metox" radar detector appeared in July 1942. Structurally, it was the simplest receiver, designed to capture a signal transmitted at a wavelength of 1.3-2.6 m. The receiver was connected to an intra-submarine broadcast, so that the entire crew heard the alarm. This equipment worked with an antenna stretched over a knocked together wooden, so-called "Biscay" cross; when searching for a target, the antenna was turned manually. However, she had one serious drawback - the fragility of the structure: during an urgent dive, the antenna often broke. The use of FuMB1 made it possible to deprive the British anti-submarine line in the Bay of Biscay for six months. From the end of the summer of 1943, a new FuMB9 "Vanze" station was put into production, which recorded radiation in the range of 1.3-1.9 m. In November 1943, the FuMB10 "Borkum" station appeared, which controlled the range of 0.8-3.3 m .
The next stage was associated with the appearance of a new ASV III radar in the enemy, operating at a wavelength of 10 cm. In the spring of 1943, reports from German submariners became more frequent, according to which boats were subjected to sudden attacks by anti-submarine aircraft at night without a Metox warning signal. The problem associated with the need to control radiation in the frequency range of the English ASV III radar was eventually resolved after the appearance in November 1943 of the FuMB7 Naxos system, which operated in the 8-12 cm range. Subsequently, two stations began to be installed on boats: " Naxos" and "Borkum"/"Vanze"; as a result of their combined use, submarines finally had an excellent ability to detect radiation over the entire frequency range of radars.
From April 1944, they were replaced by the FuMB24 "Flyage" station, which controlled the range of 8-20 cm. The Germans responded to the appearance of American flying boats with radar stations APS-3, APS-4 (wavelength 3.2 cm) by creating the FuMB25 receiver " Myuke" (range 2-4 cm). In May 1944, Flyge and Myuke were merged into the FuMB26 Tunis complex.
RADIOS
The main radio communication between the submarine and the coastal command was usually provided by a communication system operating in the 3-30 MHz HF band. The boats were equipped with an E-437-S receiver and a 200-watt transmitter from Telefunken, and as a backup - a less powerful, 40-watt, transmitter from the company Lorenz.
For radio communication between boats, a set of equipment was used in the CB range of 300-3000 kHz. It consisted of an E-381-S receiver, a Spez-2113-S transmitter, and a small retractable round vibrator antenna in the right wing of the bridge guardrail. The same antenna played the role of a direction finder.
The possibilities of using the VLF waves in the 15-20 kHz range were revealed only during the war. It turned out that radio waves of this range, with sufficient transmitter power, can penetrate the surface of the water and be received on boats located at periscope depth. This required an extremely powerful transmitter on land, and this 1,000-kilowatt Goliath transmitter was built in Frankfurt an der Oder. After that, all orders transmitted by the command of the submarine fleet began to be broadcast in the HF and SDV bands. The signals from the Goliath transmitter were received on a broadband receiver E-437-S manufactured by Telefunken using the same circular retractable antenna.
A periscope is an optical instrument. It is a spotting scope that has a system of mirrors, prisms and lenses. Its purpose is to carry out observation from various shelters, which include shelters, armored towers, tanks, submarines.
Historical roots
The periscope has been leading its biography since the 1430s, when the inventor Johannes Gutenberg invented a device that made it possible to observe spectacles at fairs in the city of Aachen (Germany) over the heads of the crowd of people.
The periscope and its device were described by the scientist Jan Hevelius in his treatises in 1647. He intended to use it in the study and description of the lunar surface. He was also the first to suggest using them for military purposes.
First periscopes
The first real and workable periscope was patented in 1845 by the American inventor Sarah Mather. She managed to seriously improve this device and bring it to practical use in the armed forces. So, during the American Civil War, soldiers attached periscopes to their guns for covert and safe shooting.
The French inventor and scientist Davy adapted the periscope for the navy in 1854. His device consisted of two mirrors turned at an angle of 45 degrees, which were placed in a tube. And the first periscope used was invented by the American Doughty during the American Civil War of 1861-1865.
To the first world war belligerent soldiers also used periscopes of various designs to fire from cover.
During the Second World War, these devices were widely used on the battlefields. In addition to submarines, they were used to monitor the enemy from shelters and dugouts, as well as on tanks.
Almost since the advent of submarines, periscopes on them have been used to monitor when a submarine is submerged. This happens at the so-called "periscope depth".
They are designed to clarify the navigation situation on the sea surface and to detect aircraft. As the submarine begins to sink, the periscope tube retracts into the submarine's hull.
Design
The classic periscope is a design of three separately located devices and parts:
- optical tube.
- lifting device.
- Cabinets with glands.
The most complex constructive mechanism is the optical system. These are two astronomical tubes aligned with each other by lenses. They are equipped with mirror prisms of total internal reflection.
Submarines have additional devices for the periscope. These include rangefinders, systems for determining heading angles, photo and video cameras, light filters, and drying systems.
To determine the distance to the target in the periscope, two types of devices are used - ranging grids and micrometers.
The light filter is indispensable in the periscope. It is located in front of the eyepiece, divided into three sectors. Each sector represents a certain color of glass.
The camera of the device or another one designed to obtain an image is necessary to establish the facts of hitting targets and fixing events on the surface. These devices are installed behind the periscope eyepiece on special brackets.
The periscope tube is hollow, it contains air, which contains a certain amount of water vapor. In order to remove moisture deposited on the lenses, which condenses on them due to temperature changes, a special drying device is used. This procedure is carried out by quickly sweeping dry air through the pipe. It absorbs the accumulated moisture.
On a submarine, the periscope looks like a pipe protruding above the wheelhouse with a “knob” at the end.
Tactics of use
To ensure stealth, the periscope of a submarine is raised from under the water with certain periods of time. These intervals depend on weather conditions, speed and range of objects of observation.
The periscope assists the submarine commander in determining the direction (bearing) from the submarine to the target. Allows you to determine the course angle of the enemy ship, its characteristics (type, speed, armament, etc.). Gives information about the moment of the torpedo salvo.
The dimensions of the periscope protruding from under the water, its head, should be as small as possible. This is necessary so that the enemy does not fix the location of the submarine.
For submarines, enemy aircraft pose a very great danger. As a result, during the transitions of submarines, considerable attention is paid to the control of the air situation.
However, for the implementation of such a combined observation, the end part of the periscopes is quite massive, since the optics of anti-aircraft observation is located there.
Therefore, two periscopes are installed on submarines, namely the commander's (attack) and anti-aircraft. With the help of the latter, it is possible to monitor not only the air situation, but also the surface of the sea (from the zenith to the horizon).
After the periscope is raised, the air hemisphere is inspected. Observation of the water surface is initially carried out in the bow sector, and then it switches to an overview of the entire horizon.
To ensure stealth, including from enemy radar, in the intervals between periscope lifts, the submarine maneuvers at a safe depth.
As a rule, the elevation of the periscope of a submarine above sea level is in the range from 1 to 1.5 meters. This corresponds to the visibility of the horizon at a distance of 21-25 cables (about 4.5 km).
The periscope, as mentioned above, should be above the surface of the sea for as little time as possible. This is especially important for a submarine that starts an attack. Practice says that it takes a little time, about 10 seconds, to determine the distance and other parameters. Such a time interval for the periscope to be on the surface ensures its complete secrecy, so for such short term it is impossible to detect it.
Footprints on the surface of the sea
When the submarine moves, the periscope leaves a trail and a breaker. It is clearly visible not only in calm, but also with slight sea waves. The length and nature of the breakers, the size of the trail, are directly dependent on the speed of the submarine.
So, at a speed of 5 knots (about 9 km / h), the length of the periscope trail is about 25 m. The foam trail from it is clearly visible. If the speed of the submarine is 8 knots (about 15 km / h), then the track length is already 40 m, and the breaker is visible at a great distance.
When the submarine moves in calm, a pronounced white color of the breaker and a voluminous foamy trail appear from the periscope. It remains on the surface even after the device is retracted into the case.
As a result, before lifting it, the submarine commander takes measures to slow down the speed of movement. In order to reduce the visibility of the submarine, the end part is given a streamlined shape. On the available photos of the periscope, this is easy to notice.
Other disadvantages
The disadvantages of this surveillance device include the following:
- It can not be used at night, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility.
- A periscope peeping out of the water can be detected without significant difficulty both visually and with the help of radar equipment of a potential enemy.
- Photographs of such a periscope taken by observers - what business card location of the submarine.
- With its help, it is impossible to determine the distance to the target with the necessary accuracy. This circumstance reduces the effectiveness of the use of torpedoes on it. Moreover, the detection range of the periscope leaves much to be desired.
All of the above shortcomings have led to the fact that in addition to periscopes, new, advanced means of observation for submarines have appeared. This is primarily a system of radar and hydroacoustics.
The periscope is a mandatory device on a submarine. Implementation in technical systems modern submarines of new devices (radar and sonar) have not reduced its role. They only supplemented its capabilities by making the submarine more "sighted" in poor visibility, in conditions of snow, rain, fog, etc.
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Submarine periscope systems
Modern submarines are equipped with a multifunctional complex consisting of two periscopes, which ensures the wide functionality of such a complex and its reliability. Abroad, such periscopes are classified as attack periscopes (commander periscopes) and search periscopes (universal periscopes).
The attack periscope is used for operational assessment of the surface and air situation.
The main channel is the visual-optical channel of ocular observation by the operator, which determines its main design feature - the periscope tube “penetrating” through the main body of the submarine with an optical system that transmits the image to the observation eyepieces.
The search periscope is designed to collect as much information as possible about the situation in the area where the submarine is located. In the absence of the possibility of observation by a traditional visual channel, it provides observation through the use of thermal imaging and television systems.
Images from television and thermal imaging information receivers are transmitted to the monitor screen.
In order to create conditions for the operator to perform the same actions when operating the device, the monitor is installed in the ocular part. This monitor can also be used to display related information symbols.
Thus, the operator working with the periscope has to process a large amount of visual information.
The most difficult issues in the design of periscope complexes, which have not been resolved so far, arise when organizing the presentation of visual information to the operator, taking into account his psychophysiological characteristics.
The purpose of the work is to study the principles of constructing the ocular part of a modern periscope, which provides optimal conditions for the work of an operator conducting observation through a visual channel.
Problems associated with the construction of the ocular part of modern periscope systems
The most difficult task in the construction of periscope complexes, in our opinion, is the organization of a rational presentation of visual information to the operator, taking into account his psychophysiological characteristics.
From the point of view of the rational construction of optical observation systems, first of all, the question arises of which of the existing schemes is expedient under the given conditions of application to implement the ocular part, namely, to perform it in the form of a monocular, binocular, or pseudobinocular.
Until recently, the ocular part of domestic periscopes was carried out according to the monocular scheme, i.e. observation was carried out through one eyepiece.
However, a review of domestic and foreign publications showed that foreign firms build the ocular part of their periscopes according to the binocular scheme. Two schemes of construction are possible here.
In the first scheme, the operator observes in each of the two eyepieces the image formed by the visual channel and related information.
In the second scheme for constructing the ocular part, the operator observes the image formed by the visual channel through one eyepiece, and the second eyepiece is used only to enter related information into it.
The next series of tasks arising in the design of the ocular part is associated with the need to present the operator with video information (an accompanying character or television channel).
At the same time, questions inevitably arise about the color gamut of the accompanying information symbols, their angular dimensions, the brightness and structure of monitor screens that provide the best conditions for observing and perceiving the image.
Another problem that has remained unresolved so far in the design of such systems is related to the physiological aspects of the perception of visual images during monocular, binocular and pseudobinocular presentation.
The choice of the optical scheme for constructing the ocular part of the periscope
Foreign firms engaged in periscope construction design the ocular part according to the binocular scheme with the possibility of switching to a monocular.
In this case, as a rule, two construction schemes are used.
In the first scheme of the ocular part, the operator observes in one eyepiece the image formed by the visual channel, and the second eyepiece is used only to enter related information into it, this is the so-called pseudobinocular construction scheme.
In the second scheme, the operator simultaneously observes in each of the two eyepieces the image formed by the visual channel and the accompanying information on the monitor screen; this is a binocular construction scheme.
Pseudo-binocular construction scheme
The visual and accompanying information monitoring channels are independent, separate channels.
Thus, the light flux transmitted by the visual channel is directed to one eye and one eyepiece, and from the monitor screen to the other eye and the eyepiece.
This pseudobinocular scheme is based on the physiological characteristics of the human visual system, when two images entering each eye merge into one, which is perceived by a person.
From a technical point of view, this method of presenting visual information has a significant advantage, since it allows to reduce the adverse effect of high levels of illumination of the image created by the visual channel on the contrast of the image on the monitor screen.
With insufficient lighting characteristics of miniature monitors, this factor turns out to be significant.
Figure 3 shows the images observed through each of the eyepieces (a; b), as well as the image perceived by the operator during simultaneous observation through both eyepieces (c).
When implementing the pseudobinocular method of presenting information, an artificial separation of the visual fields of the right and left eyes occurs, which leads to the emergence of a number of psychophysiological phenomena.
This way of presenting information is not natural for the visual analyzer. The creation of a pseudobinocular raises the question of a change in the visual functions of one eye when exposed to light stimuli in the other eye.
During pseudobinocular presentation, the right and left eyes perceive images that can differ significantly in brightness.
This is due to the fact that one eye of the operator, interacting with the image on the monitor screen, is completely shielded, and the other eye perceives the information transmitted by the visual channel.
Binocular construction scheme
In the binocular scheme, the operator simultaneously observes in each of the two eyepieces the image formed by the visual channel, and the accompanying information from the monitor screen. The binocular construction scheme is shown in Figure 4.
To create a binocular, you can use gluing prisms 2, on the glued faces of which a beam-splitting coating is applied to separate the light beam into two eyepieces.
Prisms are glued together in a parallel course of rays between lenses 1 and 3. Further, lenses 3 collect beams of rays in the focal planes of eyepieces 5. To control the interpupillary distance, rhombus prisms 4 are used (their sections are shown).
1, 3, 6 - lenses, 2, 4 - prisms, 5 - eyepiece.
The accompanying information observation channel consists of lenses 6, 3 that project an image of related information from the monitor screen into the focal plane of eyepieces 5.
Thus, in the focal plane of the eyepieces, an image of the accompanying information and an image of external observed objects is formed. The operator observes these images combined through the eyepieces. The view of the field of view through the eyepiece is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 - View of the field of view when viewed through a binocular
When creating the ocular part according to the binocular scheme, another problem arises - the operator may not distinguish the accompanying information against the background of the image of the observed objects formed by the visual channel, as shown in Figure 3.5.
To eliminate this shortcoming, it is necessary that the brightness contrast between them be at least 2% (the minimum brightness contrast that can be seen by the human eye).
Visualization of information from the monitor screen
Modern observation devices used in military vehicles, such as periscopes of submarines, surface ships, armored personnel carriers, etc., must provide the possibility of observation at any time of the day and in difficult weather conditions.
For this purpose, they are equipped in addition to the visual channel with optoelectronic channels (television devices operating at low levels of ambient light, as well as thermal imaging devices).
Thus, an operator working with a complex device has to work with a large amount of visual information.
Therefore, when developing such complex devices, the question arises of creating an operator's workplace, namely, of ways of presenting video information to the operator.
The operator's workplace is often designed in such a way that information from each observation channel is transmitted to the screens of several monitors (Figure 6) or to the screen of one monitor divided into several fields.
The workplace should facilitate the fastest possible decision-making in complex situations related to the observed panorama, and tracking many screens does not provide a fast enough analysis of scenes. In addition, with such a solution, it is difficult to conduct simultaneous observation using visual and optoelectronic channels.
To observe the monitor screen in the field of view visual channel, the monitor is installed in the ocular part of the periscope, and a projection optical system is used to transmit the image from the screen to the eyepieces.
Figure 6 - Multi-screen console of the operator's workplace
The operator's activity in various ways of presenting visual information
The main object of study is the ocular part of the multifunctional periscope complex of modern submarines.
The scheme of the layout of the binocular unit for combining the visual channel and the channel for observing the accompanying information is considered (Figures 6 and 7)
The optical scheme of this node, which includes a visual channel and a channel for observing related information, is shown in Figure 8
The input lens 1 creates an image of the observed external object in the focal plane of the turning system 2, 4, which transfers this image to the focal plane of the eyepieces 6. To create a pseudobinocular, the prism-cube 3 is removed from the beam path.
The accompanying information observation channel consists of lenses 7, 4, which project the plane of the monitor screen into the focal plane of the eyepieces 6.
Figure 8 - Optical diagram of the layout of the binocular unit for combining the visual channel and the channel for observing related information from the monitor screen 1, 2, 4, 7 - lenses, 3 - prism, 5 - mirror, 6 - eyepiece.
Determining the probability of detection
To determine the probability of detection in monocular and binocular observation, the accompanying information observation channel is used.
The operator is presented with test objects displayed on the monitor screen for a short time. As test objects, for example, letters of the Russian alphabet are used.
In the studies studied, test objects are presented to observers, then the averaged values of the correct recognition of letters were determined during observations under the following conditions: when the brightness level of the monitor screen changes (from 1 to 120) and the contrast between the object and the background is constant ( To=100%); when the contrast between the object and the background changes (from 100 to 10%) and the brightness of the monitor screen is constant ( L=120); when changing the screen brightness and the contrast between the subject and the background.
The brightness of the monitor screen and the contrast between the object and the background were determined using a photometer.
To determine the probability of detection with the pseudobinocular method of presenting information, the lens of the visual channel was opened, the prism 3 was removed from the path of the rays.
In this case, the operator simultaneously observed the image of the visual channel in one eyepiece, and the monitor screen in the second eyepiece. The results obtained are presented in tables 1 and 2, as well as in figures 9 and 10.
periscope eyepiece
Figure 9 - Dependence of the detection probability on the contrast between the object and the background
Figure 10 - Dependence of detection probability on screen brightness
The layout of the binocular unit for combining the visual channel and the channel for observing related information has been studied.
In the studied studies, from the point of view of the correct identification of objects, it was found that at a low level of illumination, as well as at a low contrast between the object and the background, observation through a binocular has an incomparable advantage.
It has been established that, from the point of view of spatial resolution, observation with a binocular, even taking into account the decrease in the radiation flux, is equivalent to monocular observation.
But from the point of view of the probability of detecting and recognizing objects, especially at low brightness of the objects of observation and low contrast between the object and the background, binocular observation has advantages.
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Name Manufacturer Technical specifications Where installed
PIVAIR (SPS), PIVAIR (SPS) K "- for nuclear submarines and SSBNs SAGEM Opto-electronic and optical periscope, which also houses the antenna of the RPD and IR systems. In addition to the usual binocular optics, the mast is equipped with a sextant, a 35mm movie camera and an IR monitor. Optical zoom 1.5x or 6x (12x in optional mode) Viewing angle 26.9, 4.5 degrees at an elevation angle of +807-10 degrees Mast device stabilized in 2 planes Viewing angle of the IR viewing the bow and stern corners system 3x6 deg provides a fast view (at 1rpm, or a circular search) The diameter of the head of the detection system is 320mm, the tube is 200mm (for SPS-S - 250mm) For the attack periscope - 140mm and 180mm respectively Casablanca, Emer- ande, Rubis, Saphir, Le Triomphant (M12/SPS-S version), L Inflexible and Le Re-doutable (all from France)
SMS SAGEM An export version of a non-penetrating main gun periscope based on PIVAIR (SPS). It is a modification of the electronic countermeasure mast. Tested on Psyche (France, Daphne class submarine). Gotland (Sweden), Kobben (Norway) for nuclear submarines and SSBNs. Purchased for Spanish Agosta-class submarines
IMS-1 SAGEM Non-penetrating PC periscope with only IR detection system (stabilized in two planes, elevation angle + 30А9 degrees, viewing angle 5.4 degrees when searching or 7x5.4 degrees when recognizing, element - IRIS CCD). The speed with a circular view is 15-20 rpm. Submarine movement speed up to 12 knots. Dimensions of the detection system unit: 208 mm diameter, 180 kg. Mast diameter -235 mm. Narhvalen (Denmark)
OMS SAGEM Gyro-stabilized system along one or two axes with a TV camera (elevation angle +50/-20 degrees, viewing angle 32 and 4 degrees), IR system (elevation angle +50-20 degrees, viewing angle 9 degrees) and a stabilized navigation radar (range 4-32 km, accuracy 2.5 degrees). Diameter of the detection system block 370 mm, weight 450 kg. Le Triomphant-class SSBN (France)
ST5 SFIM/SOPELEM Attack Periscope. The optimal magnification is 1.5x and 6x (the viewing angle is 30 and 7 degrees, respectively). Climb angles +30/-10 deg. In total, 40 units were issued up to 1985. DPL Agosfa NPS Amethyste (France)
Model J SFILM/SOPELEM Search periscope, it includes radar antenna, ARA-4 antenna and omnidirectional electronic reconnaissance antennas. Magnification 1.5x and 6x (viewing angles respectively 20 and 5 deg^d) Agosta
Model K SFIM/SOPELEM A light amplifier is installed, while the magnification is 5x, the viewing angle is 10 degrees, the elevation angles are +30/-10 degrees. In day mode, magnification is 1.5x and 6x (viewing angles are 36 and 9 degrees, respectively) Amethyste-class nuclear submarine (France)
Model L SFIM/SOPELEM Has the same features and devices as Model K, but without the sextant, because SSBNs have a special MRA-2 astroperiscope. French Navy SSBN
M41 and ST3 (modernized) 5FIM / SOPELEM (France) and Eloptro (South Africa) The optical attack periscopes (ST3) and search (M41) were modernized on the submarines of the South African Navy: optical elements were replaced, the optical characteristics of the system were improved, including in in low light conditions, video rangefinders and TV systems are installed that operate in low light conditions, the signal from which is fed to the consoles of the CPU operators. Spear-class (Daphne-class) submarines of the South African Navy
Germany
STASC / 3 Carl Zeiss The first post-war periscope of the firm for dual purpose - search and attack. Optical zoom 1.5x and 5.6x, viewing angles 40x30 degrees and 10x7.5 degrees. Climb angles +90/-15 deg. A total of 30 units were produced. Submarine type Narhvalen (type 207, Denmark), Kobben (type 207, Norway), type 205 (Germany), now withdrawn from service.
ASC17 / NavS (SER012) Carl Zeiss AS C17 - attack periscope with fixed eyepieces (with bearing indicators in the stern plane of the lens) NavS - navigation periscope, the same type as AS C17, mounted on the RDP mast. Optical zoom 1.5x and 6.0x, viewing angles 38x28 degrees and 9.7x5 degrees. Climb angles +90/-15 deg. (SERO - short for ein Sehrohr - periscope (German)) DPL type 206 (Indonesia), type 206A (Germany), type 540 (Israel)
Germany
ASC189 BS18 Carl Zeiss AS C18 and BS 18 attack and search periscopes respectively . Climb angles +75/-15 deg. Pipe diameter 52-180mm and 60-180mm. DPL type 209 (Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Greece (only type 209/1100)), Peru (Islay and Arica), Turkey, Venezuela (Sabalo).
AS C40, BS 40 (SERO 40) Carl Zeiss AS C40 and BS 40 have an electrical control system. Control functions (increase, etc.) - push-button, electric. Data are given on the true and relative bearing, elevation angle, target height and distance to it, radio intelligence data. Magnification 1.5x and 6.0x, at viewing angles of 36 * 28 degrees and 8x6.5 degrees, at the angles of elevation of the prism + 757-15 degrees. With the antenna raised - +60/-15 degrees. Installed: a laser range finder, a TV camera, an IR scale for viewing nasal angles, operating in the range of amp; -12 microns. A version of the 40 Stab is available, stabilized horizontally using a 2-axis horoscope and a 16-bit microprocessor. DPL type 209/1200 (Greece), type 209 (Indonesia), type 209 (Peru, latest series submarines), type 209 (Chile, Korea), type 209/1400 (Venezuela), Taiwan (Hai Lung)
SERO 14, SER015 Carl Zeiss SERO 14 - search periscope, SERO 15 - attack periscope. Optical magnification is 1.5x and 6.0x at viewing angles of 36x28 degrees and 8x6.5 degrees, respectively. Climb angles +75/-15 degrees for SER014 and +60/-15 degrees for SER015. The SERO 14 also includes: - IR detection system (8-12 microns) with an American 180-element modular detector, provides nasal viewing angles of 14.2x10.6 degrees and 4x3 degrees; - additional magnification mode 12 with viewing angles 4x3 hail and zoom mode. SERO 15 has optical and laser rangefinders, and in the modification of SERO 15 Mod IR also an IR camera operating in the range of 3-5 microns. Diameters are larger than on the 40 Stab series. Type 212 submarine (Germany), Ula type 210 submarine (Norway)
OMS -100 Carl Zeiss Optocoupler mast with IR and TV surveillance systems. The data is transmitted to a monitor in the control room. The mast can be equipped with a laser rangefinder and a radar antenna, or only a radar antenna. The kit also includes a GPS and radio reconnaissance antenna. The IR system operates in the range of 7.5-10.5 microns (a digital detector is used) and has viewing angles of 12.4x9.3 degrees or 4.1x3.1 degrees. Climb angles +60/-15 deg. The TV camera (with 3 microprocessors) has viewing angles of 30x22.7 degrees or 3.5x2.6 degrees (in zoom mode). Optocoupler container diameter 220 mm, weight - 280 kg. The control and data presentation equipment weighs 300 kg, and the mast device weighs 2500 kg. Passed tests on submarine U-21 type 206 in 1994.
Great Britain
CH 099 UK, Barr & Stroud (a division of Pilkington Optronics) CH 099 - attack periscope. Can be equipped with an IR night vision device or a high sensitivity TV camera, but not both devices together due to lack of space. The image is formed on the CRT screen. Bearing and distance data are displayed directly in the eyepiece and are automatically transmitted to the CPU and to the fire control system. Optical zoom 1.5x and 6.0x. Mast diameter - 190mm. -
CK059 Barr & Stroud (a division of Pilkington Optronics) Search periscope, similar to attack periscope CH099. Mast diameter - 190 mm. It has a large window, so it can be equipped with an additional light amplifier with a Mullard tube, which allows it to be used at night. An omnidirectional electronic intelligence antenna can be installed on the mast. When using IR surveillance devices and a TV camera, the periscope can be equipped with a remote control, the sensor rotation speed can vary from 0 to 12 rpm, the vertical slope of the line of sight ranges from -10 degrees to +35 degrees. The operator can also adjust the zoom scale, the focus of all devices, manage data transmission, etc. -
Great Britain
SK034/CH084 Barr & Stroud (a division of Pilkington Optronics) 254mm search (CK 034) and attack (CH 084) periscopes. The diameter of the upper part of the attack periscope is 70 mm. Both periscopes are quasi-binocular. The SK 034 periscope has three magnifications: 1.5x, 6x, and 12x. Viewing angles respectively 24, 12.6 and 3 degrees. An AHPS4 sextant was installed. The CH 084 periscope has magnification values of 1.5x and 6x at viewing angles of 32 and 6 degrees. Equipped with light amplifier. IR surveillance system and a range finder that automatically calculates the distance to the target. Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine (Great Britain), Victoria-class submarine (Upphoulder) (Canada)
CK043/CH093 Barr & Stroud (a division of Pilkington Optronics) The search periscope CK 043 is equipped with a light amplifier and a TV camera operating in low light. Both detection channels are stabilized. The diameter of the search periscope SK 043 is 254 mm, the diameter of the attack periscope SN 093 is 190 mm. DPL Collins (Australia)
SK 040 Barr amp; Stroud (a division of Pilkington Optronics) Combined (search and attack) periscope for small submarines. Equipped with a light amplifier and a rangefinder. It has a monocular lens and is horizontally stabilized. Due to weight and size restrictions, there are no additional detection systems and navigation system antennas, and true bearing readings are not displayed, there is only a relative coordinate scale. The window and lens are heated. SMPL
SMOY Barr & Stroud (a division of Rlkington Optronics) SMOY is a commercially developed optoelectronic mast comprising a Ferranti Thomson Dual Display Workstation and a McTaggert Scott Mast Unit. Workstation using images received from various systems detection, creates a synthesized image of the target, which is transmitted to the ASBU. All sensors are placed in a streamlined sealed container, and the signal processing system is located in the PC. The detection systems include an IR camera, a high-resolution monochrome camera, a radio intelligence system and GPS. Viewing angles are 3, 6, and 24 degrees, and elevation angles are +60/-15 degrees. Now the diameter of the mast is 340 mm, but it can be reduced to 240 mm, provided that the angle of elevation is reduced to 50 degrees. The mast was sea tested in 1996. SSN 20 Astute (UK)
Type8L mod (T),Type15L mod(T) Sperry Marine A combination of periscopes for SSBNs of the Ohio Type 8L type is installed on the starboard side of the OVA, and the Type 15L - on the port side. Type 8L also carries a distance radar antenna, and 151 a PTPWLR-10 station. The optical magnification is 1.5x and 6x, respectively, at elevation angles of +60/-10 degrees. Viewing angles 32 and 8 degrees. Can be equipped with TV - and cameras. The length of the periscope is about 14m. SSBN type Ohio (USA), SSN 21 Seawolf (USA) (Type 8J Mod 3 periscopes)
Type 18 Sperry Marine The search periscope, which also carries a radar signal detection antenna, has a gyro-stabilized optical system, a light amplifier and a TV camera for low light levels. Modification of Type 18V has a total length of about 12.0 m, and Type 18D-12.6 m. Optical magnification is 1.5x, 6x, 12x, 24x, at viewing angles of 32, 8, 4 and 2 degrees. Climb angle limits +60/-10 deg. Periscope functional modes: day, night, optics, TV, IMC (image motion compensation - target image motion compensation), camera and gyro stabilization.
Type 22 (NESSI^ - 2nd generation optocoupler system for Los Angeles-type submarines, including an IR system operating in the 3-5 micron range, a TV system operating at low light levels, and a satellite navigation antenna. Types 19, 20 periscopes and 21 are various types of optocoupler masts, data on which are not available.Los Angeles type submarine (USA)
Model 76 Kollmorgen Binocular, stabilized optics, Kollmorgen export 7.5-inch periscope in search and attack versions. Optical magnification 1.5x and 6x at viewing angles of 32 and 8 degrees and restrictions on elevation angles + 74 / -10 degrees for the attack periscope and + 60А10 degrees for the search periscope, for the search periscope. A sextant, communications, satellite navigation and electronic warfare antennas are installed on the search periscope. The light amplifier is installed directly on the mast, and the SPRITE IR system is installed between the optical head and the electronic warfare antenna (viewing angle 12/4 degrees, with XH 0.2 mpa^o). Periscopes installed on submarines of various fleets have individual model numbers. DPL type TR-1700 (Argentina), type 209/1400 (Brazil), type 209/1500 (India), Dolphin (Israel), Salvatore Pe / os / (Model 767322 with radar rangefinder, Italy), Primo Langobardo (Model 767323 with laser rangefinder) Nazario Sauro second 2 submarines (Model 76/324), Walrus (Netherlands), Nacken (Sweden), 209/1200 and 209/1400 Model 76/374 Turkey)
Universal modular mast / Model 86/Model 90 Kollmorgen (USA) Model 86 is an optocoupler mast that combines an IR vision sensor, a highly sensitive TV camera and radio equipment. A fiber-optic line is used to transmit information, control is carried out using a computer that performs a general analysis of the threat, and from the control panel. Additional features include a color TV channel, SATNAV navigation equipment and video signal processing. Model 90 is an optocoupler adaptation to a conventional 190mm periscope that combines an optical channel with a magnification of 1.5x, 6x, 12x, 18x with an elevation angle limitation of +74/-10 degrees, an IR receiver with an elevation angle limitation of +557-10 degrees, TV -camera, laser range finder, electronic warfare system and GPS receiver. Model 86 and 90 are commercial versions of the so-called universal modular mast, which includes optronica from Kollmorgen (USA), displays from Loral Librascope (USA), a 2-stage mast from Riva Calzoni (Italy), a signal processing terminal from Alenia (Italy) and universal consoles MFGIES or CTI. Modifications to the Model 90 are TOM (Tactical Optocoupler Mast), OMS (Optocoupler Detection Mast), and COM (Compact Optocoupler Mast). The latter is intended for SMPL. In early 1994, the Model 90 was exported to a customer in Japan. Submarines of the Seawolf and Virgnia types
* According to
The Naval Institute guide to World Naval Weapon Systems 1997-1998, pp. 638-644.
Advanced optronics (optoelectronics) gives non-penetrating type mast systems a distinct advantage over direct-view periscopes. The vector of development of this technology is currently determined by low-profile optronics and new concepts based on fixed systems.
Interest in optoelectronic periscopes of a non-penetrating type arose in the 80s of the last century. The developers claimed that these systems would increase the submarine's design flexibility and safety. The operational advantages of these systems were the display of the periscope image on multiple screens of the crew, unlike older systems, when only one person could use the periscope, simplification of work and increased capabilities, including the Quick Look Round (QLR) function, which minimized the time spent by the periscope on the surface and thereby reduce the vulnerability of the submarine and, as a result, the likelihood of detection by anti-submarine warfare platforms. Meaning of QLR mode in recent times increases due to the increasing use of submarines to collect information.
A conventional Type 212A class anti-submarine submarine of the German Navy displays its masts. These diesel-electric submarines of the Type 212A and Todaro classes, supplied respectively to the German and Italian navies, are distinguished by a combination of masts and penetrating (SERO-400) and non-penetrating types (OMS-110)
In addition to increasing the flexibility of the submarine design due to the spacing of the control post and optocoupler masts in space, this improves its ergonomics by freeing up the volume previously occupied by periscopes.
Non-penetrating type masts can also be relatively easily reconfigured by installing new systems and implementing new features, they have fewer moving parts, which reduces the cost of the life cycle of the periscope and, accordingly, the amount of its maintenance, maintenance and overhaul. Continuing technological progress is helping to reduce the likelihood of periscope detection, and further improvements in this area are associated with the transition to low-profile optocoupler masts.
Virginia class
In early 2015, the US Navy installed a new stealth periscope based on L-3 Communications' low-profile LPPM (Low-Profle Photonics Mast) Block 4 optocoupler mast on its Virginia-class nuclear submarines. In order to reduce the likelihood of detection, this company is also working on a thinned version of the current AN / BVS-1 Kollmorgen optocoupler mast (currently L-3 KEO), installed on submarines of the same class.
L-3 Communications announced in May 2015 that its L-3 KEO optoelectronic systems division (L-3 Communications acquired KEO in February 2012, which led to the creation of L-3 KEO) received following the results of the competition a $48.7 million contract from the US Naval Systems Command (NAVSEA) to develop and design a low-profile mast with an option to manufacture 29 optocoupler masts over four years, plus maintenance.
The LPPM mast program maintains the characteristics of the current periscope while reducing its size to the size of more traditional periscopes, such as the Kollmorgen Type-18 periscope, which began to be installed in 1976 on Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines as they entered the fleet.
L-3 KEO is supplying the U.S. Navy with the Universal Modular Mast (UMM), which serves as a hoist for five different sensors, including the AN/BVS1 Optocoupler Mast, High Speed Data Mast, Multi-Function Masts, and Embedded avionics systems.
Missouri Virginia-class multi-purpose nuclear submarine with two L-3 KEO AN/BVS-1 optocoupler masts. This class of nuclear submarines was the first where only optocoupler masts (commander and observation) of a non-penetrating type were installed
Although the AN/BVS-1 mast has unique characteristics, it is too large and its shape is unique to the US Navy, which makes it possible to immediately identify the nationality of this submarine when a periscope is detected. According to public information, the LPPM mast has the same diameter as the Type-18 periscope, and its appearance resembles the standard shape of this periscope. The non-penetrating hull-type LPPM modular mast is installed in a universal telescopic modular compartment, which increases the stealth and survivability of submarines.
Features of the system include shortwave infrared imaging, high-resolution visible imaging, laser ranging, and an array of antennas that provide wide coverage of the electromagnetic spectrum. The prototype of the LPPM L-3 KEO optocoupler mast is the only one in operation today; it is installed aboard a Virginia-class Texas submarine, where all subsystems and the operational readiness of the new system are tested.
The first serial mast will be manufactured in 2017 and its installation will begin in 2018. According to L-3 KEO, it plans to develop its LPPM so that NAVSEA can install a single mast on new submarines, as well as modernize existing vessels as part of an ongoing improvement program aimed at improving reliability, capability and affordability. The export variant of the AN/BVS-1 mast, known as the Model 86, was first sold to a foreign customer under a contract announced in 2000 when the Egyptian Navy conceived a major upgrade of its four Romeo-class diesel-electric anti-submarine submarines. Another unnamed customer from Europe has also installed the Model 86 on its diesel-electric submarines (DES).
Periscope systems before installation on a submarine
L-3 KEO, along with the development of LPPM, is already supplying the US Navy with the Universal Modular Mast (UMM). This non-penetrating type mast is installed on Virginia-class submarines. The UMM serves as a hoist for five different sensor systems, including the AN/BVS-1, OE-538 radio mast, high speed data antenna, special mission mast, and integrated avionics antenna mast. KEO received a contract from the US Department of Defense to develop the UMM mast in 1995. In April 2014, L-3 KEO was awarded a $15 million contract to supply 16 UMM masts to be installed on several Virginia-class nuclear submarines.
Images from the optical-electronic mast L-3 KEO AN / BVS-1 are displayed on the operator's workplace. Non-penetrating type masts improve the ergonomics of the central station, as well as increase safety due to the structural integrity of the hull
Another customer of UMM is the Italian fleet, which also equipped its diesel-electric submarines of the Todaro class of the first and second batches with this mast; the last two boats were scheduled to be delivered in 2015 and 2016 respectively. L-3 KEO also owns the Italian periscope company Calzoni, which developed the E-UMM (Electronic UMM) electrically powered mast, which eliminated the need for an external hydraulic system for raising and lowering the periscope.
L-3 KEO's latest offering is the AOS (Attack Optronic System) non-penetrating command optronic system. This low profile mast combines the characteristics of the traditional Model 76IR search periscope and the same company's Model 86 optocoupler mast (see above). The mast has reduced visual and radar signatures, weighs 453 kg, and has a sensor head diameter of only 190 mm. The AOS Mast Sensor Kit includes a laser rangefinder, a thermal imager, a high-definition camera, and a low-light camera.
OMS-110
In the first half of the 90s, the German company Carl Zeiss (currently Airbus Defense and Space) began preliminary development of its Optronic Mast System (OMS). The first customer of the serial version of the mast, which received the designation OMS-110, was the South African fleet, which chose this system for three of its Heroine-class diesel-electric submarines, which were delivered in 2005-2008. The Greek Navy also chose the OMS-110 mast for its Papanikolis diesel-electric submarines, and after it decided to buy this mast South Korea for their diesel-electric submarines of the Chang Bogo class.
Masts of the non-penetrating OMS-110 type have also been installed on the Indian Navy's Shishumar-class submarines and the traditional anti-submarine Tridente-class submarines of the Portuguese Navy. One of the latest applications of the OMS-110 was the installation of universal UMM masts (see above) on the submarines of the Italian fleet "Todaro" and anti-submarine submarines of the German fleet class "Type 2122". These boats will have a combination of an OMS-110 optocoupler mast and a SERO 400 command periscope (hull-penetrating type) from Airbus Defense and Space.
The OMS-110 Optocoupler Mast features 2-axis line-of-sight stabilization, a third-generation medium-wavelength thermal imaging camera, a high-definition TV camera, and an optional eye-safe laser rangefinder. The Quick Panoramic View mode allows you to get a quick, programmable 360-degree panoramic view. It can reportedly be completed by the OMS-110 system in less than three seconds.
Airbus Defense and Security has developed the OMS-200 Low Profile Optocoupler Mast, either as an addition to the OMS-110 or as a standalone solution. Showcased at Defense Security and Equipment International 2013 in London, this mast features advanced stealth technology and a compact design. Modular, compact, low-profile, non-penetrating command/search optocoupler mast OMS-200 combines various sensors in a single housing with radar-absorbing coating. As a "replacement" for the traditional direct-view periscope, the OMS-200 is specifically designed to remain stealth in the visible, infrared and radar spectra.
Optocoupler mast OMS-200 combines three sensors, a high-definition television camera, a short-wave thermal imager and an eye-safe laser rangefinder. The high quality, high resolution image from a shortwave thermal imager can be complemented by an image from a medium wave imager, especially in poor visibility conditions such as fog or mist. According to the company, the OMS-200 system can combine images into one picture with excellent stabilization.
Series 30
At Euronaval 2014 in Paris, Sagem announced that it has been selected by South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) to supply non-penetrating optocoupler masts for the equipment of South Korean new Son-Won-II class diesel-electric submarines, for which DSME is the lead contractor. This contract marked the export success of Sagem's latest Search Optronic Mast (SOM) Series 30 family.
This non-penetrating type optocoupler search mast can simultaneously receive more than four advanced opto-electronic channels and a full array of electronic warfare and Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas; everything is housed in a lightweight touch container. The Series 30 SOM optocoupler mast sensors include a high-resolution thermal imager, a high-resolution TV camera, a low-light TV camera, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder.
The mast can receive a GPS antenna, an early warning avionics antenna, a DF antenna, and a communications antenna. Among the operating modes of the system there is a fast circular view mode, while all channels are available at the same time. Dual-screen digital displays have an intuitive graphical user interface.
Sagem has developed and started production of the Series 30 family of commander and search masts, which are ordered by many navies, including the French. The commander's mast has a low visual profile.
Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines built by DCNS are equipped with a combination of penetrating and non-penetrating masts from Sagem, including a Series 30 mast with four optocoupler sensors: a high-resolution television camera, a thermal imager, a low-light television camera and a laser rangefinder
Sagem has already delivered a Series 30 SOM variant for the new Barracuda-class diesel-electric submarines of the French fleet, while another variant has been sold to an as-yet unnamed foreign customer. According to Sagem, the Series 30 SOM mast supplied to the South Korean Navy will also include an electronic intelligence antenna, as well as optical communications equipment operating in the infrared range.
A command variant of the Series 30 SOM is also available, designated the Series 30 AOM; it features a low profile mast and is fully compatible with the Series 30 SOM variant in terms of mechanical, electronic and software interfaces. The same container and cables can be used for both sensor units, allowing fleets to select the optimal configuration for specific applications. The basic kit includes a high-resolution thermal imager, a high-definition television camera, an optional eye-safe laser rangefinder, a shortwave thermal imager and a day/night backup camera.
CM010
Pilkington Optronics' lineage dates back to 1917, when its predecessor became sole supplier british navy. At one time, this company (now part of Tales) began on its own initiative to develop the CM010 family of optocoupler masts, installing a prototype in 1996 on the Trafalgar nuclear submarine of the British Navy, after which in 2000 it was selected by BAE Systems to equip new Astute-class nuclear submarines. A CM010 twin optocoupler mast was installed on the first three boats. Tales subsequently received contracts to equip the remaining four submarines of this class with CM010 masts in a twin configuration.
Thales has equipped all Astute-class submarines in the British Navy with optocoupler masts with CM010 and CM011 sensor heads. These products form the basis for a promising new series of periscopes.
The CM010 mast includes a high-definition camera and a thermal imager, while the CM011 has a high-definition camera and a brightening camera for underwater surveillance, which is not possible with a traditional thermal imager.
In accordance with the contract received in 2004, in May 2007, Tales began supplying CM010 masts to the Japanese company Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for installation on new Japanese Soryu diesel-electric submarines. Tales is currently developing a low-profile version of the CM010 with the same functionality, as well as a sensor kit consisting of a high-resolution camera, a thermal imager, and a low-light TV camera (or rangefinder). This sensor kit is supposed to be used for special tasks or diesel-electric submarines of smaller dimensions.
The ULPV (Ultra-Low Profle Variant), designed for installation on high-tech platforms, is a two-sensor array (high-definition camera plus thermal or low-light camera) mounted in a low-profile sensor head. Its visual signature is similar to that of a commander's periscope up to 90 mm in diameter, but the system is stabilized and has electronic support.
The Japanese diesel-electric submarine "Hakuryu", belonging to the class "Soryu", is equipped with a Thales CM010 mast. The masts were delivered to the shipyard of Mitsubishi, the main contractor of the Soryu-class submarines, for installation on board these submarines.
panoramic mast
The US Navy, the largest operator of modern submarines, is developing periscope technology as part of its Afordable Modular Panoramic Photonics Mast (AMPPM) program. The AMPPM program began in 2009, and as defined by the Naval Research and Development Department, which oversees the program, its goal is "to develop a new sensor mast for submarines that has high-quality sensors for panoramic search in the visible and infrared spectra, as well as shortwave infrared and hyperspectral sensors for long-range detection and identification.”
According to the FDA, the AMPPM program should significantly reduce the cost of production and maintenance through a modular design and fixed support. In addition, a significant increase in availability is expected compared to current optocoupler masts.
In June 2011, a prototype mast designed by Panavision was selected by the FDA for the AMPPM program. Initially, at least two years of testing on land will take place. This will be followed by sea trials, which are scheduled to begin in 2018. New AMPPM fixed masts with 360-degree all-round visibility will be installed on Virginia-class nuclear submarines.