NavyRecognition reports, “GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received a contract through the Build in Canada Innovation Program. Defence Research and Development Canada will test the TRAPS (Towed Reelable Active Passive Sonar) variable depth ASW sonar on Royal Canadian Navy ships.”
This system is seen as a possibility for both the twelve Kingston class “Coastal Defense Vessels” (970 tons, slightly smaller than the 210s) and the projected six icebreaking Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships. There is apparently no intention of using these on the more capable frigates.
TRAPS towing configuration
The system can be fitted in a standard sized 20 foot container.
TRAPS in 20 foot iso container.
“The modular design of TRAPS provides a variety of installation options, including containerization on multi-mission vessels and standard deck-mounting.
“The TRAPS system is ideal for small combatants such as OPVs, corvettes, ships of opportunity, and USVs. Applications include naval defence/surveillance, drug interdiction, homeland security, and other water-borne policing.”
In addition to detecting submarines and surface vessels, the system is claimed to be usable for:
- Active torpedo detection
- Torpedo decoy
- Passive receiver
- Black box pinger detection
- Sonobuoy processor
A typical detection range of 50 nautical miles is claimed. If it works as advertised this might give most of our larger ships an ASW capability and perhaps help us detect semi-submersibles. Thales’ CAPTAS series is similar, with CAPTAS 2 and CAPTAS 1, designed for ships of over 1,500 and 300 tons respectively.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
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Can this system be used for mine countermeasures?
Probably not. Typically you need very high frequency sonar to get an accurate enough picture to detect small objects like mines, while you need lower frequencies to give the range you need to detect submarines at a useful range.
Thanks for the info
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Are the Kingston class or AOPVs specially prepared in order to operate these?
Eg machinery insulated to make it quieter etc?
Has it been released if the trial was successful and if it will be operationally deployed in the future?
Unfortunately, have not heard anything more about this. Nothing was done to the class to make them quieter.
The class had both an MCM role and a law enforcement/patrol role. The Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships of the DeWolf class seem to be taking over the patrol function.
The class were never very good at MCM and no replacement is in sight.
@Mick Mulligan, Apparently the TRAPS system is not dead,