CUwPS: An integrated system for the detection, localization, and classification of underwater threats

The Canadian Underwater Protection System (CUwPS) is an integrated system that provides means to detect, localize, classify, and then warn underwater threats, with the purpose of preventing attacks on vessels berthed at anchor or alongside. The primary sensors of the system are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and are integrated into a workable set of equipment and concepts with specific adaptations to military platforms. CUwPS utilizes an area detection sensor which can detect and track underwater targets, in an area where protection is desired. In order to further scrutinize contacts and tracks deemed to be potential threats, Response Boats-small, fast and agile crafts-are dispatched and responsible for identification using a high resolution imaging type sonar. If a target is classified as a threat, underwater loudhailers can be used to transmit warnings and messages. Software was written to integrate the data from all the individual sensors of the CUwPS. This paper details the components of the CUwPS, explains its concept of operations, and details the fourth and final build trial, in which the system was used in Port Guard, a Canadian Forces exercise. CUwPS was tasked to protect assets berthed alongside a jetty at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, home port to the Canadian Atlantic Fleet. Throughout the course of the exercise, military divers simulated threats attempting to penetrate undetected into a protected area.