Vanguard Magazine

20 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 www.vanguardcanada.com Through the Victoria-class Modernization (VCM) project, we will be implementing up to 17 distinct projects to upgrade the survivability, habitability, and capability of the Victoria class, to ensure it can effectively counter evolving threats. INTERVIEW Through the Victoria-class Modernization (VCM) project, we will be implementing up to 17 distinct projects to upgrade the survivability, habitability, and capability of the Victoria class, to ensure it can effec- tively counter evolving threats. This series of projects will build on lessons learned from the successful Halifax-class Modern- ization Project, providing improved habit- ability and deployment conditions for sub- mariners. As well, the VCM will enhance the class's capabilities to support contin- ued contributions to CAF operations. Our submarines will be able to adapt to current and evolving threats, including an increased ability to operate in Arctic waters up to the marginal ice zone. VCM will deliver improved sensor ca- pabilities through upgrades to the Flank Array Sonar, and to both the search and attack periscopes. The new sonar will pro- vide modern sensors that will increase de- tection ranges with high fidelity acoustic data, which can be analyzed and integrated with the existing sonar suite. The search and attack periscope upgrades aim to con- vert the existing analog lenses and mirror- type periscopes to digitized systems that are now commonly used across allied na- vies. This will decrease counter-detection by reducing the amount of time that the search periscope remains exposed, as well as increasing the availability of the system. The introduction of a new battery moni- toring system will allow for more accurate and real-time battery readings. This will allow the crew to closely monitor battery health and help identify battery system de- fects early on. Additionally, the increased accuracy of readings will improve deep cycle battery maintenance by allowing the battery to be charged and discharged clos- er to the maximum and minimum capac- ity limits, ultimately increasing the life and endurance of the VCS's batteries. The first round of habitability upgrades are slated for HMCS Victoria and will greatly improve day-to-day living condi- tions on board for our sailors. New up- grades to the messes, wash places and showers will provide some of the comforts that sailors are used to in their homes. The galley will also be significantly improved, resulting in a more modern and efficient workplace for our cooks. Q Are there areas of interest to you of which VCM is not addressing? Specifi- cally, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and the covert launch, operation, and recovery of these systems? There are many advanced capabilities that are being incorporated into the Victoria class. Capabilities that will not be included within VCM are being explored in depth for inclusion on the next class of subma- rine. The capabilities of the next class of submarines are in the early stages of defi- nition now. The RCN is in consultation with our allies and industry partners, and is committed to developing an advanced operational capability while also providing value to Canadians. Q With the announcement last year of the stand-up of a small team to look at a future Canadian Patrol Submarine Proj- ect, what are your thoughts on what key capabilities a future Canadian submarine should be able to do? The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) aims to provide a replacement for the Victoria class, and is exploring the fol- lowing capabilities: • Worldwide open ocean operability, in- cluding in the Arctic; • Air Independent and diesel-electric pro- pulsion systems; • Anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare; • Support to joint operations ashore; • Joint intelligence surveillance reconnais- sance; • Special Operations Forces insertion and recovery; • Deploying autonomous underwater, un- manned underwater and aerial vehicles; • Survivability and self-protection through coatings, decoys, jammers, and noise suppression features; • Modular and evolutionary design; and • Green and clean technologies. Q With the continual evolution of non- nuclear power generation and storage what areas of technological development do you see as key for Canada to capitalize on in a future Canadian submarine? Technological development in two key ar- eas will influence decisions with respect to submarine design and propulsion systems. The first is Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which will extend the operational range of future submarines by allowing them to stay on patrol longer. Whether it be a fuel cell-based system or a Stirling Engine model, AIP technologies are im- proving and will allow diesel-electric sub- marines to stay submerged for 18-21 days. This greatly reduces that amount of time that a submarine needs to rise to periscope depth in order to re-charge batteries. The inclusion of AIP in Canadian Patrol Sub- marines would allow limited near, and if necessary, under-ice operations. The second key area is battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries are an exciting tech- nology for submarine application, and offer a significant energy density increase over the historically used lead acid design. Lithium- ion will increase submerged endurance and reduce the frequency of battery recharge requirements to approximately once every four days instead every second day. There is potential for this to increase even further as the technology becomes more efficient. Q To follow-on from the previous question, what are your thoughts on where the combat systems suite of a future Canadian submarine will be going, specifically as to sensors, weapons, and data connectivity? There are three key elements that will in- fluence decisions with respect to the Com- bat System. The first is data management and fu- sion. Advancements in submarine sensor technology, such as greater sensitivity and processing power, have significantly in- creased the amount of data available to a command team. High data rate commu- nications adds to the amount of data that needs to be fused to the submarine's or submarines' organic picture. Second is weapons control and inte- gration. A good control suite is key for a weapons system which will employ heavy- weight torpedoes, anti-ship cruise missiles and land-strike cruise missiles. Lastly is the system architecture. The preferred way forward for modern combat systems is commercial-off-the-shelf-based open system architecture. This allows for flexibility in introducing new technologies, as well as for adapting to cyber security considerations. 3rd Annual Conference

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