Tekdata Interconnection Systems is manufacturing a range of harnesses and upper level assemblies for the Sonar system being installed on the Royal Navy's latest Astute Class Submarines.

Tekdata Interconnection Systems have announced that they are manufacturing a range of harnesses and upper level assemblies, including onboard cabinets, for the Sonar system being installed on the Royal Navy's latest Astute Class Submarines. The harnesses and cabinet, using Tekdata's proprietary technology, will be used to provide reliable 24/7 interconnection solutions for the submarine's 2076 Sonar system. This state-of-the-art Sonar system, built by Thales Underwater Systems, integrates passive/active search and attack sonar suite with bow, intercept, flank and towed arrays.

Tekdata is a leading UK based outsourcing specialist for some of the world's largest Avionics and Defence companies.

'We made our mark in cable harness design, rapid prototyping and manufacturing of copper and fibre optic cabinet/box assembly' said Roy Blake, Business Development Manager at Tekdata.

'With the expertise we have gained on this particular project, as well as many others, the company can answer complex manufacturing and design processes, meet specific requirements and deliver on very tight schedules.' The Astute Class vessels are the Royal Navy's new nuclear powered submarines which are to replace the five Swiftsure Class submarines, launched between 1973 and 1977 and approaching the end of their operational life.

The Astute Class, with its 6,000 tonne displacement, will be capable of greater performances than the Trafalgar Class.

The Astute submarines will enter service in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Tekdata have been involved in the building of harnesses and upper level assemblies for the Royal Navy for five years, including those installed on the Trafalgar Class of submarine.