SURTASS

The SURTASS (Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System) program is a critical component of the U.S. Navy's undersea surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. Its primary goal is to provide deep ocean and littoral acoustic detection and cueing for tactical weapon platforms against both diesel and nuclear submarines, as well as surface vessels, across global areas of operation. The program supports both mobile and shore-based systems, integrating acoustic data collection, processing, and fusion to enhance the Navy's situational awareness and response capabilities in undersea warfare.

SURTASS-E (Expeditionary Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System) is an expeditionary variant of the traditional SURTASS system, developed to provide passive acoustic surveillance capability in a modular, rapidly deployable format. Packaged in ISO-standard containers, SURTASS-E can be installed on Vessels of Opportunity (VOOs), enabling flexible and scalable deployment in response to emerging threats or operational needs. The program originated as a Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation, and Demonstration (RPED) project, with objectives to repackage, test, and demonstrate the system's effectiveness as a surrogate for traditional T-AGOS class vessels.

Integrated Common Processor (ICP) is a central element of the SURTASS architecture, responsible for processing and displaying acoustic data collected by the towed arrays. The ICP's hardware and software configurations are tailored to the specific array types installed on each platform, supporting passive, Low Frequency Active (LFA), and Compact Low Frequency Active (CLFA) operations. Budget plans include funding for procurement and technology refresh of ICP units, focusing on replacing end-of-life components, enhancing cybersecurity, and ensuring compatibility with evolving Navy requirements. Lockheed Martin and other vendors are responsible for manufacturing and installation, with schedules aligned to fleet modernization needs.

TL-29A U.S. Twinline Arrays are specialized towed arrays designed for shallow water operations and high-clutter environments. These arrays consist of two shorter lengths and associated support equipment, enabling increased surveillance capability in littoral areas. Funding supports the refurbishment of existing TL-29A array legs and procurement of ancillary equipment such as test sets, tow cables, and control systems. Refurbished arrays are added to the depot spares pool for installation as needed, ensuring operational continuity and readiness of T-AGOS vessels.

SURTASS Team Trainer (STT) systems are dedicated training platforms that provide high-fidelity synthetic and live playback training for SURTASS crews. These trainers support Home Port Training Periods (HPTP) and Pre-Deployment Certification Periods (PDCP), ensuring that personnel are proficient in system operation and tactical employment. Funding includes procurement of new STT systems, including hardware and software upgrades, to maintain training effectiveness and support fleet readiness.

Field Changes/Modifications funding addresses the correction of deficiencies identified through fleet use, replacement of aging or unsupportable equipment, and transition to upgraded command and control (C2) capabilities. This includes installation of the Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES), replacement of legacy systems such as GCCS-M and UHF LOS/SAT, and upgrades to ship gyros. These modifications are essential for maintaining system reliability and ensuring that SURTASS platforms can operate effectively even if primary acoustic data paths to shore become unavailable.

J-AOS (Japanese Auxiliary Oceanographic Surveillance) Cost Sharing represents the U.S. contribution to the procurement and technology refresh of towed arrays and ICP hardware for Japanese SWATH ships and shore sites. This international partnership enhances regional surveillance capabilities in the Western Pacific and ensures interoperability between U.S. and Japanese systems. Funding supports procurement of towed arrays for new ships, while prior year funding enabled technology refreshes on existing platforms and shore facilities.