ELAC Sonar contracted for Fassmer SVK Boote programme

ELAC Sonar is supplying hydroacoustic equipment for two new multipurpose vessels to be delivered by Fassmer for the WTD 71 test centre. (Fassmer)

ELAC Sonar, the German subsidiary of UK-based Cohort, has been awarded a EUR4 million contract by shipbuilder Fassmer to supply specialised underwater equipment for two new German Navy Seeversuch Küste Erprobungsboote (SVK Boote) multipurpose vessels on order for the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons (WTD 71) test centre.

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) ordered the 50 m SVK Boote ships from Fassmer in July 2021. Designed to replace the Type 745 Stollergrund-class vessels Breitgrund and Mittelgrund , and the Type 741 barrage craft Wilhelm Pullwer at WTD 71, the new ships are planned for delivery in 2023.

ELAC Sonar was selected by Fassmer following a competitive tender. The company's scope of supply comprises two separate systems for each vessel: an ELAC PILOS 2.0 Pinger Locating Sonar (a broadband passive sonar device used to detect and track underwater noise and signals generated by sonar systems or other acoustic sources); and an ELAC UT 3000 2G analogue and digital communications system.