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Maritime ISR
L-3 Tactical Systems has over two decades of experience developing systems for the maritime domain. Our experience ranges from the development of acoustic sensor components to fully integrated sensor processing systems. With the addition of collaborative development agreements with UUV providers and our value added sensor and electronics integration capability, we are well positioned to meet the needs of our customers with low-cost, high-value, UUV assets.
Sonar Systems
Sonar
L-3 provides an experienced Systems Engineering capability for design, development and fabrication of complex sonar systems. This capability comprises acoustic, electrical, processing and mechanical modeling capability, and transitioning models to design.  Under L-3’s rigorous System Engineering processes, we ensure the fielding of proven reliable systems by producing and validating first article units only after carefully optimized system design based on prioritized requirements.
Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV)
L-3 Tactical Systems, in coordination with our partner International Submarine Engineering Ltd (ISE), produce World-class manned/unmanned undersea vehicle systems and semi-submersibles. In addition to offering existing designs, custom vehicles can be produced to address specific customer needs. ISE is a world leader in Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV), Semi-Submersibles, Manned Submersibles and Autonomous Vehicle Control System design, integration and production.
Theseus: Large Diameter Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (LDUUV’s)

Theseus was originally developed to lay long lengths of fiber-optic cable under the Arctic ice pack. The vehicle completed successful deployments to the Arctic in 1995 and 1996. During the 1996 deployment, several 140 mile cables were laid in 2,000 ft of water under an 8 ft thick ice pack, establishing an UUV endurance record of over 60 hours – all under ice. The pressure hull payload bay and sensor suite of this UUV are configurable and can be adapted or replaced with new modules designed to support a wide variety of missions and tasks. The large payload bay of the vehicle suits it to carrying a number of smaller UUVs. The variable ballast system in the vehicle also enables it to be “parked” on the bottom for extended periods of time, and then re-activated.

Theseus Specifications
Length 35 ft.
Diameter 4.1 ft.
Displacement 19,000 lbs.
Cruising Speed 5 knots
Range 400+ miles
Depth 6,561 ft.
Propulsion 6hp brushless dc motor and gearbox driving single propeller
Payload 1,200 lbs. dry - 4,000 lbs. wet
Theseus
Theseus
Explorer: Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV’s)

The Explorer class of UUV is a modular vehicle comprising a forward free-flooding section, full diameter pressure hull and a free flooding aft section. It is optimized for longevity and can be adapted to meet new requirements. It is available in many configurations and depth ratings from 1,000 ft. to 20,000 ft. Vehicle systems and payload sensors can be customized at any time throughout the vehicle's life. Payload equipment can be fitted in either of the free-flooding sections, with the associated electronics installed inside the pressure hull on a standard 19 in. rack. The wet payload can include sidescan sonar, multi-beam echo sounder and sub-bottom profiler, all of which can operate concurrently. Payload data is easily accessible though a high speed Ethernet connection. Recent deployments of the Explorer have resulted in world record breaking endurance under the arctic ice pack, with ranges of 600 nautical miles achieved without vehicle removal.

Explorer Specifications
Length 14.8 ft. to 23 ft. or custom
Hull Diameter 2.3 ft.– 2.4 ft.
Dry Weight 1,650 to 2,700 lbs.
Working Range 64.7nautical miles at 3 knots with 75-Watt payload
Range Range can be increased to 120 nautical miles with 2nd battery bank and 180 nautical miles with 3rd battery bank.
Depth Maximum Depth 984 ft. to 16,404 ft. dependant on version
Speed Range 1 to 5 knots
Explorer
Explorer
Dorado: Semi-Submersibles

The Dorado semi-submersible unmanned vehicle is capable of towing a sonar towfish at speeds up to 12 knots and depths to 650 ft. It is powered by a 420hp marine diesel engine. Air is drawn through the mast and exhausted through the stabilizer above the contra-rotating propellers. The engine also provides power for the hydraulically operated control planes and the keel-mounted winch for the sonar towfish. The towfish is developed to follow the seabed at low altitudes and is fitted with a multi-beam side scan sonar. The original successful Dorado design allowed operation from Warships and recent design modifications provide for operations from LCS.

Dorado Specifications
Length 27 ft.
Width 7.48 ft.
Hull Diameter 3.8 ft.
Speed

12 knot search speed, 18 knot transit speed 24+ hour search capability at 12 knots

Dry Weight with fuel 13,000 lbs
Payload 462 lbs
Dorado
Manned Submersibles

Pagoo is a modern manned submersible which was designed and built by ISE and delivered in 2007. Highly capable and reliable this ABS certified submersible carries 2 crewmembers and 8 passengers to a test depth of 1,200 ft. Modifications to the original Pagoo design allow diver lockout, increased speeds and ranges with the utilization of modular battery packs.

Pagoo Specifications
Length 49.2 ft.
Depth 1,200 ft.
Capacity 2 crew & 8 passengers
Pagoo
Valkyrie™ System
Sonar

L-3 Tactical Systems' latest innovation is a maritime tethered autogyro system to be used as an elevated sensor platform. Our towed, unmanned system offers unprecedented sensor endurance and increased situational awareness for maritime platforms. Capable of being launched and retrieved from most ships, Valkyrie™ can carry a variety of sensor payloads for durations aloft limited only by host vessel endurance.

The Valkyrie™ System consists of three main components:

  • Carbon Fiber Air Vehicle, with autonomous flight control system and customizable payload pod
  • Launch and Retrieval Subsystem (LARS)
  • Ground Control Station

The autogyro achieves flight when towed by a maritime host vessel via a tether which provides fiber optic and power capabilities. Lift develops through inflow air at the main rotor provided by wind, forward motion of the host vehicle or a combination thereof.