Aphotonics mast (oroptronics mast[1]) is a sensor on asubmarine which functions similarly to aperiscope without requiring a periscope tube, thus freeing design space during construction and limiting risks of water leakage in the event of damage. A photonics mast replaces the mechanical,line-of-sight viewing system with digital equipment, similar to adigital camera array, and it has fewer locational and dimensional constraints than a traditional periscope.
Unlike a periscope, it need not be located directly above its user, and it requires only a smallpressure hull penetration for cabling. This allows the photonics mast to fit entirely within thesail of the submarine and means the control room need not be placed directly below the sail.
A photonics mast operates by rising above the water in a manner similar to atelescoping antenna and provides information through an array of sensors, such ashigh-definitionlow-light andthermographic cameras. Images and information can appear on display panels for analysis. The photonics mast can also support thenavigation,electronic warfare, andcommunications functions of a conventional optical-periscope mast.
At least the Type 039B/C submarines are fitted with photonics masts.[2]
TheMarine Nationale's new nuclear attack submarines, theSuffren class, comes with an optronics mast with the following sensors:[3]
The mast is manufactured bySagem (nowSafran). The same mast can be found on the export orientedScorpène-class conventional attack submarines made byNaval Group.[3]
TheSōryū-class submarine is equipped with the CM010 optronics mast.
TheRoyal Navy tested an optronic mast on theTrafalgar-classHMS Trenchant in 1998.
Astute-class nuclear attack submarines are equipped with twoThales CM010 optronics mast similar in capabilities to theSagem model in French use.[3]
TheYasen andBorei-class submarines are fitted with photonics masts developed byShvabe, a subsidiary ofRostec.[4] The Elektropribor Central Research Institute has also developed theParus-98 photonics mast for the conventionalLada-class submarines and the export market (Parus-98E).[5][6]
In 2004, theUnited States Navy began fitting photonics masts toVirginia-classsubmarines.[7]
According to the US Navy:[8]
InVirginia-class boats, traditional periscopes have been supplanted by two Photonics Masts that house color, high-resolution black and white, and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms. With the removal of the barrel periscopes, the ships’control room has been moved down one deck and away from the hull’s curvature, affording it more room and an improved layout that provides thecommanding officer with enhancedsituational awareness.
