Type 2016/2020/2032 - Archived 6/1998

Outlook

Orientation

Description. Active/passive panoramic surveillance sonar for detection, localization and tracking of hostile submarines.

Sponsor

Ministry of Defence

Procurement Executive

Contracts Branch CB/UW

Egdon Hall

Lynch Lane

Weymouth

Dorset

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1305 774301

Contractors

GEC-Marconi Naval Systems Limited

Sonar Systems Division

Wilkinthroop House

Templecombe

Somerset BA8 0DH

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1963 70551

Fax: +44 1935 442200

(Prime Contractor for Type 2016 and Type 2020)

DBE Technology Group

Eastern Road

Aldershot

Hampshire GU12 4TD

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1252 27282

Telex: 858945

(Type 2032 Upgrade Package)

Ferranti Computer Systems Ltd

Cheadle Heath Division

Bird Hall Lane

Cheadle Heath

Stockport SK3 0XQ

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 161 428 0771

Telex: 666803

(Dry-end Processing Systems)

Licensee. No production licenses have been granted.

Status. In active service.

Total Produced. The number of Type 2016 systems in active service appears to have fallen to three, with further reductions likely in the future. The number of Type 2020 systems in active service is five.

Application

Type 2016 is installed on Invincible class aircraft carriers, Type 42 destroyers and Type 22 frigates.

Type 2020 is installed on the Trafalgar class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines.

Type 2032 is being installed on Trafalgar class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines.

Price Range. Type 2020 had a unit price of about US$3.5 million. (This price was last revealed in 1986.) A Type 2016 sonar system has about US$2 million worth of Ferranti processing equipment. Unit cost of the Type 2032 package is about US$80,000.

Technical Data

Characteristics

 

Coverage:

360 deg

Passive frequency range:

2-16 kHz

Active frequency range:

3-13 kHz

Range (active):

up to 10,000 yd

Design Features

Type 2016. This sonar system is the first British sonar to incorporate computerized signal processing to filter out some of the unwanted returns. On Type 22 frigates, the Type 2016 is arranged in three compartments. The cylindrical transducer array is hydraulically retractable within a fixed glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) dome, which is keel-mounted forward on the centerline. The array is roll stabilized.

The sonar equipment room is above the array. The Type 2016 has solid state electronics that are repaired by whole unit replacement. There are five cabinets containing receiver related equipment, four of which belong to the active side of the system and one to the passive. Two more cabinets house transmitters and an eighth contains TX/RX control circuitry. A work station and printer provide facilities for checking and monitoring the system to assist on board maintenance. There is an early torpedo warning parameter.

The operator has three identical consoles, each with a circular CRT display. Any console can perform in any system role. In the normal course of events however, the first console is used for passive tracking of targets and will show track histories in terms of bearing over time and frequency ranges. It also shows platform course and speed and meteorological, bathymetric and bathythermic data. The second console is the central surveillance display and overall system monitor. It can alert personnel to problems throughout the system. The third display is used for target classification and can provide enlargement of any part of the system's surveillance envelope, either in the form of a B scope display or a vertical cut through the beam. The Type 2016 can be operated by one man during normal operations.

Type 2020. A second-generation sonar for nuclear-powered attack submarines derived from the Type 2016 sonar, Type 2020 has a bow-mounted conformal array giving panoramic 360 degree coverage and low- and high-frequency passive detection within a (reported) frequency range of 2-16 kHz. Passive data is presented on dual-speed multi-pen recorders, capable of rapid readout. When it was designed, it was intended that Type 2020 should be compatible with future submarine sonar systems.

Type 2020 is designed to operate in a computer controlled mode, although there is a manual override for all functions. The active transmitter uses an automatic electronic beam steering unit with manual override capability. It transmits in the low and middle frequency bands, reportedly between 3 and 13 kHz. A major advance in British submarine sonar technology was the inclusion of an automatic monitoring unit. This is a computer controlled unit with sub-units in each equipment cabinet and display console. It performs rapid analysis and diagnosis of all faults and problems within the system.

Type 2032. This add-on package includes electronic processing equipment, a number of special transducer elements, a beamformer cabinet and control facilities. It is complementary to the existing Type 2020 array.

Operational Characteristics

Type 2016. This sonar is a hull-mounted active/passive panoramic surveillance and attack sonar for surface ships with automatic detection and tracking facilities. It has classification and multiple target tracking facilities.

Type 2020. A derivative of Type 2016 for submarines, the Type 2020 provides passive and active capability for search and attack functions.

Type 2032. This upgraded sonar package is being integrated with Type 2020 to give a limited narrow band capability.

Variants/Upgrades

TYPE 2016 Surface ship-mounted passive active sonar

TYPE 2020 Submarine-mounted derivative of Type 2016

TYPE 2032 Electronic processing package for Type 2020

TYPE 2016H22 is an upgraded Type 2016, incorporating Type 2050 electronics. This is an interim stage to replacing the Type 2016 with Type 2050 on the first eight Type 22s. Four of these have been sold to Brazil for delivery during the 1995-97 time frame; one of the remainder has re-equipped with the full Type 2050. The rest will follow.

TYPE 2016HN is a greatly upgraded Type 2016 system verging on Type 2050 capability, installed on the first three Type 23 frigates. Type 2016HN is mostly Type 2050 and only a little Type 2016; it is therefore usually referred to as a Type 2050 sonar and differs from it only in lacking bottom-bounce capability.

Type 2032 is basically an upgrade and improvement program for the Type 2020 sonar.

Type 2020 MODEX is an upgraded version of Type 2020. It uses two Ferranti universal raster-scan displays for both active and passive data to replace the original cursive PPIs. This is believed to permit faster operator reactions during close contact or torpedo evasion. The original hard-copy displays are retained for mission analysis. Plasma touch-panel displays replace the earlier keyboards. Type 2020 MODEX is believed to be designated Type 2043.

Type 2020EX is the current designated service version of Type 2020.

Program Review

Background. The Type 2016 was designed to replace Type 177 and 184 sonar systems fitted to earlier frigates. It was developed from an experimental system installed aboard the destroyer HMS Matapan, which was converted for sonar trials in 1971. The prototype was completed in 1978. The first operational system was fitted in the Type 22 frigate HMS Broadsword and was in service by the beginning of 1980. It has been installed on all Type 22s and the three Invincible class aircraft carriers. It has been retrofitted to five Batch 3A Leander class frigates and 12 Type 42 destroyers.

Although Marconi Underwater Systems Ltd is the prime contractor, much of the computer equipment has been provided by Ferranti Computer Systems Limited. On July 28, 1986, Ferranti announced that it had delivered digital data processing equipment for the 34th and final operational Type 2016 sonar set. In 1987/88, the Royal Navy installed Type 2050 dry-ends aboard the last six Type 22 frigates. These retained the Type 2016 transducer array.

The 34th and final ship to be equipped with the Type 2016, the Type 22 Batch 3 frigate HMS Chatham, commissioned in October 1989. A progressive program of replacing the Type 2016 sonars installed on the earlier units of the Type 22 class frigates with the Type 2050 is reaching completion.

The initial requirement for the Type 2020 sonar was issued in 1976-77, when the Royal Navy was finishing design of the Trafalgar class. The primary passive/active search and attack sonar at that time was Type 2001. This had been in service since the mid-1960s. Since Trafalgar was incorporating the latest technology in its design, a new sonar system was desirable. A research and development contract was awarded to Plessey Naval Systems in 1977 and Plessey continued R&D on the new system during the late 1970s. Three prototypes were manufactured in 1980-81 and these underwent preproduction tests in late 1981 and early 1982. The first production model was delivered to the Royal Navy in October 1982. HMS Tireless, which commissioned in October 1985, was the first ship to be equipped with a production model Type 2020. HMS Trafalgar had a prototype model installed in 1981, which was intended for replacement with a production model.

Type 2020 is the current British bow-mounted active/passive submarine sonar for nuclear attack submarines. The Type 2020 equips five of the seven Trafalgar class submarines, HMS Trafalgar having been refitted with the Type 2074 sonar during 1992. The five survivors of the earlier Swiftsure class have now received the Type 2074. The name ship of the class, HMS Swiftsure, was retired from service following problems with its reactor plant.

Following a bitterly contested takeover battle, a consortium formed by GEC-Marconi and Siemens achieved control of the Plessey group of companies. Subsequently, the Plessey group has been divided between the two consortium members. Plessey Naval Systems is now the Templecombe Division of GEC-Marconi Naval Systems Ltd.

Type 2032 grew out of a Royal Navy requirement for an enhancement to the bow-mounted sonar array of its latest nuclear attack submarines. The DBE Technology Group of Aldershot, UK, won the order for Type 2032, which is valued at about US$1 million and called for the supply of 13 electronic processing systems. Ferranti (which acquired DBE) delivered all 13 Type 2032s by March 1991.

Funding

In April 1980, Plessey Naval Systems announced that it had received Ministry of Defence contracts to the value of about US$80 million (50 million British pounds), of which about US$16 million (10 million British pounds) had been spent on research and development.

On July 28, 1986, Ferranti Computer Systems Limited announced that the Type 2016 sonar program had been worth about US$64 million (40 million British pounds) to the company.

Recent Contracts

No recent contracts valued over US$5 million have been reported.

Timetable

 

 

1960s

Type 2016 design initiated

 

 

1973

Type 2016 development contract awarded

 

 

1976

RN issued requirement for new submarine sonar

 

 

1977

Plessey Naval Systems received research contract

 

 

1978

First Type 2016 prototype completed

 

May

1979

Type 2016 commissioned aboard first Type 22

 

Apr

1980

Plessey announced UK MoD contracts

 

 

1980

Type 2020 underwent preproduction tests

 

 

1982

First production model Type 2020 accepted

 

 

1985

First Type 2020 equipped sub entered service

 

 

1987

Type 2016 production ended

 

Dec

1987

Ferranti received contract for Type 2032

 

Oct

1989

Last ship equipped with Type 2016 commissioned

 

Mar

1991

Type 2020/2032 retrofit program completed

Worldwide Distribution

United Kingdom

Trafalgar class (SSN)

Type 2074 HMS Trafalgar

Type 2020 with Type 2032 HMS Tireless, HMS Torbay, HMS Trenchant, HMS Talent and HMS Triumph

Type 2043 HMS Turbulent

Swiftsure class (SSN)

Type 2074 HMS Sceptre, HMS Spartan, HMS Splendid, HMS Sovereign, HMS Superb

Invincible class (CVSG)

Type 2016 HMS Invincible, HMS Ark Royal (to be refitted with Type 2050)

Type 2050 HMS Illustrious

Type 42 Sheffield class (DDG)

Type 2016 HMS Birmingham (presently being refitted with Type 2050)

Type 2050 HMS Exeter, HMS Southampton, HMS Nottingham, HMS Liverpool, HMS Newcastle, HMS Glasgow, HMS Cardiff

Type 42 Batch 3 Manchester class (DDG)

Type 2050 HMS Manchester, HMS York, HMS Gloucester, HMS Edinburgh

Type 22 Batch 2 Broadsword class (FF)

Type 2050 HMS Beaver, HMS Brave, HMS Boxer

HMS Broadsword(a), HMS Brazen(a), HMS Battleaxe(a), HMS Brilliant(a)

Type 2016 HMS London, HMS Coventry, HMS Sheffield

Type 22 Batch 3 Cornwall class (FF)

Type 2050 HMS Cumberland, HMS Campbeltown, HMS Chatham, HMS Cornwall

Type 23 Duke class (FF)

Type 2050 HMS Norfolk, HMS Argyll, HMS Lancaster, HMS Marlborough, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Monmouth, HMS Montrose, HMS Westminster, HMS Northumberland, HMS Richmond, HMS Somerset, HMS Grafton, and HMS Sutherland

Brazil

Type 22 Broadsword class (FF)

Type 2050 Former Royal Navy HMS Broadsword(a), HMS Brazen(a), HMS Battleaxe(a), HMS Brilliant(a)

(a)Sold to Brazil, with deliveries starting in 1995 and completed April 1997.

Forecast Rationale

The Type 2016 surface ship sonar and its submarine derivative, the Type 2020, are an interim generation. They represent an attempt at standardizing systems within the Royal Navy, sharing a similar dry end, but with wet ends optimized to their particular environments. Type 2016 filled the gap between the 1950s-designed Type 184 and the new Type 2050 sonars. Type 2020 fulfills the same purpose with the old Type 2001 submarine sonar and the new Type 2074.

During the years that Type 2016 has been in service, it has gained a good reputation, particularly for reliability and shallow water performance. It also has seen combat service during the Falklands campaign, in which two Type 22 frigates and the carrier HMS Invincible were equipped with the system. During that campaign, the Type 2016 was able to localize an Argentine submarine sitting on the sea bottom. In Royal Navy service, it has been superseded by the newer Type 2050 on new-construction ships. Nearly all Type 2016 ships have been refitted with the Type 2050, with some ships receiving structural reinforcement where necessary (particularly the Sheffield class destroyers). Plans to retain some Type 2016 sets in service on non-ASW platforms were reversed, presumably due to a judgment that the economies gained by standardizing on a single sonar outweigh the capital costs of the new equipment. The rapidity of the replacement schedule can be gauged by the fact that some ships jumped straight from the 1950s-vintage Type 184P to Type 2050.

Type 2020 is the Royal Navy's primary bow-mounted passive/active sonar for its nuclear fast attack submarines. The older nuclear-powered submarines of the Valiant- and Churchill classes have been prematurely withdrawn from service as a result of serious cracking in the primary cooling circuits of their nuclear reactors. The Swiftsure class have similar power plants and are experiencing similar problems. One, HMS Swiftsure, has been decommissioned for this reason. The other five boats in this class are being modernized and refitted with the new Type 2074 in place of the Type 2001. The five Trafalgar class boats now equipped with Type 2020/2032 will go directly to the new Type 2076 integrated sonar suite when that becomes available.

All procurement of the Type 2016 and Type 2020 sonars has now ceased, and the systems are being rapidly withdrawn from service. The remaining Type 2016s include a set on HMS Birmingham, which is currently being replaced during a major rebuild of that ship, to rectify material defects and three systems on the last trio of Type 22 Batch 2 frigates. These will be replaced during these ships' first major refits in 1997/98. The Type 2020 will be replaced by Type 2076 during 1997. Thus not only is procurement now terminated, but spares and support activity is likely to be minimal.

The listing in Worldwide Distribution shows the number of sets believed left in service. The very rapid decline in numbers reflects how many sets have now been withdrawn from service and placed in storage or scrapped. If any export orders do occur, they are likely to be met by drawing on this reserve.

Ten-Year Outlook

The forecast chart is omitted.

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