Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR)
Capabilities
Joint Canadian/United States Navy 3-D Tracking Range. The Nanoose 3-D Range is capable of tracking underwater, surface, and air targets including torpedoes, submarines, surface vessels, and aircraft. The 3-D position of all objects being tracked is recorded and displayed in real-time at the Winchelsea Island operations centre.
Any underwater vehicle to be tracked must be fitted with a tracking pinger. This pinger transmits a 75 KHz Phase Shift Keyed (PSK) signal which is detected by one or more of 30 short baseline underwater hydrophone arrays. The signals received by these arrays are amplified, multiplexed, and transmitted to Winchelsea Island for positional analysis. The accuracy of this unique underwater tracking system is 2-5 metres depending on processing.
Above water tracking for surface vessels can be performed in the same fashion as for underwater targets, with tracking radar or with a custom differential GPS (DGPS) system.
Air tracking is primarily performed with the tracking radar which is capable of tracking a single object. DGPS kits for aircraft installation are available for some applications.
Two Cine-Sextant camera systems are also available for trajectory analysis and a high magnification videotape record. Data from these tracking cameras can be used to determine trajectory, splash points, deployment of air launch accessories, or for any other application requiring a high magnification visual record.
In addition to tracking, this range is also equipped with ship-deployed and bottom-mounted sound recording systems and acoustic targets. MK 30 mobile submarine simulator targets are available on a cost recovery basis. A variety of Canadian and US Navy vessels support 3-D tracking Range operations. USN vessels are deployed to CFMETR from the Naval Undersea Warfare Centre in Keyport, WA while several Canadian Forces auxiliary vessels are permanently stationed at CFMETR. These vessels are used for:
- Launch and control of underwater weapons, mobile targets, and test vehicles;
- Deployment of stationary targets, acoustic sensors, and oceanographic monitoring devices;
- Surface retrieval of targets and weapons;
- Planting and maintenance of hydrophone arrays and buoys;
- and Range security.
Canadian ships include one "S" Class 33-metre Torpedo and Ship Ranging Vessel which is used to deploy range instrumentation.
One USN YTT-Class firing craft is normally deployed to CFMETR. This 55-metre ship is fitted with submarine and deck tubes for launching of all types of torpedoes. A USN torpedo retriever boat is also on site when required for surface recovery of ordnance. Other US vessels are assigned in the area from time to time for special tests.
A variety of smaller vessels are available for recovery of test units, control of range security and safety and other related functions.
Both Canada and the US use the joint range for operational readiness training exercises and for evaluating the reliability of torpedoes and related systems. The US also uses this range as their primary test facility for the development and production proofing of ASW weapons.
This Range supports a wide variety of maritime tests and trials, including:
- Surface, air, and sub-surface torpedo launchers;
- Ship turning, acceleration, and deceleration measurements;
- Radar and sonar accuracy tests;
- Flight clearance tests of air launched payloads; and
- Other underwater vehicle tests.
Underwater Recovery. Deep water recovery is available for all units operated on CFMETR ranges. NUWC submersibles are carried on the YTT vessels for this purpose. These submersibles, capable of operating to depths of 2,000 metres, are able to lift 3,000 kilograms and can dig 10 metres into the soft bottom to recover buried units. Long life homing pingers, underwater cameras and sonar are used to localize submerged objects. The submersibles are equipped with various recovery claws and snares as required.
Weapons System Data Analysis. This facility provides test and evaluation services in support of Canadian operations on the joint range. Staff liaise with tasking agencies to establish test plans, assign range assets and oversee the conduct of Canadian trials to ensure customer requirements are satisfied. The facility also conducts post run analysis of exercises at CFMETR or at other tracking ranges around the world. Assets include:
- Mini computer for re-processing range tracking, ship and
submarine combat system tapes;
- Optical digitizer for reading torpedo run films;
- Video digitizer for determining air drop trajectories; and
- A variety of computers and peripherals used to conduct exercise debriefings and generate post run analysis reports.
Sonobuoy Testing Facility. This facility provides in-water test and evaluation services to the Sonobuoy Design Authority at NDHQ and can, by special arrangement, provide customized test services to industry and allied governments. Standard services provided include:
- Test support for development programs;
- Design approval and first article qualification; Production Quality Assurance testing;
- Hydromechanical Noise testing;
- Air Deployment Trajectory tests using 3-D Range optical systems; and
- Technical investigation and consulting services.
- Test assets and support services dedicated to the sonobuoy functions include the following:
- Receiving/inspection/set up facility with thermal preconditioning chambers;
- Shore monitoring station with the latest in sonobuoy receivers, recorders, acoustic processors and automated test systems;
- 33 M "S"-Class ship capable of silent running and fitted with the same capability as the shore station, plus a wide range of over-the-side acoustic and oceanographic test equipment;
- 13 M test, patrol and sonobuoy recovery vessel; and
- Chartered float equipped DHC2 "Turbo Beaver" fitted with twin internally loaded SLC launchers.
Test services are provided for all common types of sonobuoys including OMNI, DIFAR, VLAD, DICASS, AXBT, and for speciality devices such as MK84 SUS, XBT, Smoke markers, etc. All test engineering is done locally, allowing quick response to new or unusual test requirements.
Hydro-mechanical noise testing is performed at the Hotham Sound quiet range, offering a wide range of simulated sea state and shear currents for suspension testing. Because of the proximity to CFMETR and the easy logistics, such tests can be scheduled on short notice in any month of the year.
Sonar Repair & Overhaul Facility. CFMETR currently performs factory level overhaul and testing of the Sea King AN/AQS-502 helicopter dipping sonar hydrophones and projectors. The facilities and expertise used in this function are adaptable to other customer requirements and include:
- Modern electrical/mechanical workshop;
- Printed circuit board repair and automated test;
- Transducer repair and high vacuum oil filling;
- Acoustic Baffle repair and refabrication;
- Compass test and calibration; and
- In-water sonar performance testing.
General Acoustic Test and Calibration Services. Complimentary to its sonobuoy test and Sonar R&O functions, the Acoustic test group also provides a wide range of test and calibration services to other CFMETR departments and outside agencies. Services include:
- Torpedo transducer testing and evaluation;
- Low frequency towed acoustic targets to support 3-D Range and ship’s towed array trials;
- Static and dynamic acoustic check ranging of warships;
- Calibration of hydrophones and projectors; and
- Full range acoustic transducer testing, including polar plots, efficiency, sensitivity, stiffness, etc., using CFMETR’s automated Acoustic Test Barge facility.
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