Ultra secures high performance sonobuoys for NIMROD MRA4

Ultra Electronics' Sonar and Communication Systems Division has been awarded a contract to supply an additional quantity of their high performance passive Anti-Submarine Warfare sonobuoy, the SSQ 955 HIDAR. The order, which is an extension to an existing contract, has been awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Procurement Agency, NIMROD MRA4 Integrated Project Team.

The HIDAR sonobuoy is the latest, passive directional sonobuoy to enter service with the Royal Air Force NIMROD maritime patrol aircraft and the Royal Navy Merlin and Sea King helicopters. It incorporates Ultra's high-performance sensor with an all-digital electronics design in a small lightweight canister. The sonobuoy is the smallest such buoy in the world today and it has a growing reputation for outstanding performance in the most difficult environmental conditions and in operations near shipping.

HIDAR entered operational service with the UK Forces in early 2000 and has since been ordered for use by the French Navy.

Ultra is the world's leading supplier of sonobuoys, the sensors that are used to detect the presence of submarines acoustically. The Group has divisions in the UK, the USA and Canada, developing and manufacturing high technology sonobuoys. In total, Ultra supplies approximately 60% of the world's sonobuoys.

Dr Brendan Pain, Managing Director, Ultra Electronics Sonar & Communication Systems commented: I am delighted to receive this order, which will secure continued production of HIDAR at Greenford through to 2005. This additional order reflects our customer's satisfaction, acknowledging Ultra's continuing commitment to quality and performance."

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