SURTASS

SURTASS
Name	Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System
Country	United States
Type	Passive sonar
Service	1970s–present
Used by	United States Navy
Designer	Naval Research Laboratory
Manufacturer	General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin

SURTASS

SURTASS is a towed passive sonar array system used by the United States Navy for long-range acoustic surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic monitoring. The system supports operations involving surface combatants, auxiliary ships, and coordinated task forces and interfaces with platforms associated with the United States Atlantic Fleet, United States Pacific Fleet, and allied navies. SURTASS integrates technologies developed by organizations including the Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and defense contractors such as General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin.

Overview

SURTASS provides persistent low-frequency passive detection capability enabling units to detect and track quiet submarines and other acoustic sources at extended ranges. The system complements active sonar suites on vessels like USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) and platforms associated with the Kidd-class destroyer, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and Ticonderoga-class cruiser task groups. Data from SURTASS contributes to operational pictures used by commands such as U.S. Fleet Forces Command and NATO maritime centers, and it interoperates with systems like the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System and the SOSUS network.

History and Development

Development traces to Cold War initiatives to counter threats posed by Soviet Navy attack and ballistic missile submarines linked to classes such as Typhoon-class submarine and Akula-class submarine. Early research at the Naval Research Laboratory and test programs involving ships converted at Norfolk Naval Shipyard influenced deployment decisions. SURTASS programs expanded in the 1970s and 1980s alongside projects including SOSUS, Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), and initiatives overseen by organizations like the Office of Naval Research and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. International incidents involving acoustic surveillance and diplomatic discussions with states such as Japan and United Kingdom shaped policy reviews, while technical milestones coincided with advances attributed to institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).

System Components and Technology

The SURTASS architecture comprises long passive hydrophone arrays towed astern, winch and handling systems often installed on auxiliary platforms such as USNS Victorious (T-AGOS-19) and other T-AGOS class ships. Signal processing and chained digital recorders employ algorithms developed in collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and corporate laboratories like Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. Data links utilize satellite and shore-based nodes coordinated through facilities including Naval Oceanographic Office, Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, and regional commands like Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The system leverages ocean acoustic propagation models refined by research from SACLANTCEN and academic centers such as University of California, San Diego and University of Washington.

Operations and Deployment

SURTASS platforms operate in ocean regions monitored by maritime commands including U.S. Southern Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, often integrating with allied assets from Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Canadian Forces Maritime Command, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Missions involve convoy escort support akin to historic operations such as Battle of the Atlantic anti-submarine tactics and modern tasking linked to exercises like RIMPAC and NATO Exercise Trident Juncture. Vessels fitted with SURTASS follow procedures coordinated with naval bases including Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Base San Diego, and forward logistics hubs like Diego Garcia. Command and control flows through centers such as U.S. Second Fleet and multinational staffs in Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM).

Environmental and Legal Issues

Deployment of low-frequency acoustic systems prompted scrutiny from environmental organizations including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and groups formerly represented in litigation such as Center for Biological Diversity. Concerns focused on impacts to marine mammals protected under statutes like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and obligations in international instruments including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and agreements among regional bodies like the International Maritime Organization. Environmental assessments have involved researchers from NOAA Fisheries, Duke University Marine Lab, and conservation NGOs while policy responses included coordination with regulatory agencies such as the Department of the Interior and international partners.

Variants and Related Programs

Related undersea surveillance efforts include legacy networks and modernization programs such as SOSUS, the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System, and experimental initiatives under the aegis of DARPA. Platform variants include T-AGOS ships like USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS-23) and enhanced systems incorporating broadband arrays and allied counterparts adopted by militaries including the Royal Navy and French Navy. Technological spin-offs intersect with acoustic research conducted at institutions like Naval Postgraduate School, industrial partners including Boeing and SAIC, and cooperative programs with academic centers such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Category:United States Navy sonar systems