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Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar

Features

  • Highest-performance dipping sonar in the world — demonstrated against both diesel-electric and nuclear submarines, the HELRAS outperforms in diverse geographic and acoustic environments, and in both active and passive operations.
  • Demonstrated performance advantage over medium-frequency (2 kHz and higher) dipping sonar systems — by operating at a nominal frequency of 1.38 kHz, the HELRAS consistently achieves long- range detections and target tracking in both littoral and open ocean environments.
  • Lightweight system produces high source levels, narrow vertical transmit beams and high array gain, performing at least 14 dB higher than that of medium frequency dipping sonar systems.
  • Patented, compact, powerful acoustic transducers and expandable transmitting and receiving arrays produce a lightweight system that exploits the advantages associated with using truly low acoustic frequencies.
  • High-resolution Doppler processing — long-shaped CW pulses (up to 10 seconds) and wide-bandwidth FM pulses (up to 5 seconds) are available to detect near-zero Doppler low strength targets.
  • Interoperable with all key sonobuoys and modern low-frequency towed variable depth sonars.
  • Yields savings in operating costs — long-range detection and large area search rates reduce total operating hours.

Resources

  • HELRAS Data Sheet

    HELRAS Data Sheet

Featured News

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Press release | 02. 18. 2026

L3Harris Secures Full-Rate Production Contract for US Navy Submarine Communication Systems

L3Harris Technologies has received its largest full-rate production contract for communications systems from General Dynamics Electric Boat to deliver 26 shipsets for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines.

US Navy submarine

Press release | 02. 18. 2026

L3Harris Secures Full-Rate Production Contract for US Navy Submarine Communication Systems

Al Seer Marine and L3Harris Agreement signing in the Middle East

Editorial | 02. 05. 2026

Al Seer Marine and L3Harris Deepen Strategic Agreement to Advance Maritime Unmanned Systems in the Middle East

Australia VP, Alan Clements

Editorial | 01. 12. 2026

Accelerating Mission Readiness in the Indo-Pacific: L3Harris’ Alan Clements on Australia’s Naval Transformation

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Editorial | 11. 19. 2025

Cracking the Code for Resilient, Secure Space-based Communications

Ship at sea. Photo credit: CIVMEC

Editorial | 11. 05. 2025

Advancing Australia’s Maritime Future: L3Harris and the SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel Project

SEAPORTe Contract Description

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