Photo credit: NavyRecognition. Thales CAPTAS 1
As expected, the EuroNaval 2014 trade show is offering some interesting products. This one might be of interest if the Coast Guard ever decides to get back into the ASW mission. Thales, maker of some of the most highly respected sonars in the world, is offering both hull mounted and towed active/passive sonars for vessels as small as 300 tons. The towed sonar is the CAPTAS 1, joining two previous members of a family of systems that share common technology. The Largest of these, the CAPTAS 4 is being evaluated for the ASW module for the LCS.
Beating the same drum and no one is listening. Maybe this would open some eyes:
http://news.usni.org/2014/10/28/lessons-swedens-sub-hunt
There are some great concepts/conclusions in that article, which are directly applicable to the USCG’s role if it were part of the USN in a major war footing. Of course, no one wants to pay for preparedness these days.