News

SAES’s underwater technology leads the naval and defence industry

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SAES is celebrating a 2023 full of successes, with a constantly growing order book and a renewed brand image. Our General Manager, César Solano Márquez, shared these achievements and future goals in a recent interview with Cadena SER radio. “We have closed significant agreements and we also remain committed to innovation, with 11 R&D+i European projects underway”, highlights César Solano.

 

César Solano,,director General de SAES

Looking ahead to 2024, César Solano points out that “our goal is to continue our growth trajectory and strengthen our alliances with local companies and shareholders. This year is also our 35th anniversary, it’s another opportunity to give more visibility to SAES. In addition, we hope to continue creating jobs in the coming years through our European defence and innovation projects.”

 

Listen to the full interview here (audio in Spanish):

 

Several SAES officials have participated in the radio program “Hoy por hoy Cartagena” to showcase their capabilities in underwater security and protection, both in the civil and defense sectors. Consuelo Lázaro Ruiz, Chief Operating Officer, has explained the management of a project like the S80 submarine, as well as sonar technology and signature management. Sara García Ruiz, Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation at SAES, responds to the importance of innovation in a technological company like SAES, and how it has been used in the recently delivered submarine to the Navy. Ernesto Eulogio, head of the Engineering Services Line Manager at SAES, talks about the SIMTAC, the tactical simulator of the S81 submarine ‘Isaac Peral’, and what it is used for.

SIMTAC: the innovative tactical simulator for training crews of the new S-80 submarines

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The S-80 class submarines have a tactical training simulator, known as SIMTAC, which the Spanish Navy uses to prepare submarine crews for various situations they may encounter at sea. Ernesto Eulogio, Engineering Services Line Manager at SAES, explains in a recent interview on Cadena SER radio all the details about this high-tech training tool, which allows crews to practice and perfect their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

For Ernesto Eulogio, “the simulator of the S-81 submarine is like a driving school for the crew, where they learn to use the submarine’s acoustic systems, sonars and radars. In addition, it allows to simulate extreme situations that cannot be reproduced in the real submarine without danger to the crew, such as evading torpedoes or navigating with breakdowns on board”.

The simulator has been developed by SAES in collaboration with Navantia and Indra, and will be used for both the S-81 submarine and future submarines of the S-80 series. Ernesto Eulogio comments that “the idea is that all submarines are operated in the same way, so that personnel can move from one submarine to another without problems”. The simulator will be updated to be in tune with the submarines and meet the training requirements of the Spanish Navy.

SAES’s involvement with Navy simulators began with the development of the SAT simulator for S70 submarines, which has been operational for almost 30 years. In addition, SAES also participated in the SACAZ simulator for the Segura class minehunters.

Listen to the full interview here (audio in Spanish):

SAES takes part in the 7th edition of ‘Itinere’, a youth employment day that highlights technology, industry and the port as the major sources of employment in Cartagena

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SAES has taken part in the ‘Itinere 2023’, a boosting youth employment day with representatives of leading companies from the naval and industrial sectors, in a rounded table about the career opportunities in the Port of Cartagena. SAES director of Human Resources, Esther Corbalan, has talked about the company’s activity and its most demanded professional profiles

The 7th edition of ‘Itinere 2023’, a boosting youth employment day, has taken place in El Batel Auditorium and Conference Centre in Cartagena. It has been organised by the Youth Council and the Local Development Agency. Itinere was launched seven years ago as a meeting point for young people and companies from Cartagena area with the aim of mobilising youngsters and make them the main actors in their own training and career development.

SAES Director of Human Resources has participated in a rounded-table about career opportunities in the Port of Cartagena, where she has spoken about her role in the company, and the most demanded professional profiles at SAES.

Esther explained in her talk that company internships are “a great opportunity for students to consolidate the knowledge acquired at their educational centres, as well as to put it into practice within the firm’s operating environment.”

 

Esther Corbalán, SAES Director of Human Resources, participated in Itínere 2023

 

SAES presents its ASW and MIRS systems at the Chilean show Expo Naval 2022

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SAES has showcased two of its systems at Expo Naval 2022: the SPAS (Sonobuoys Acoustic Processor System) that are installed on board C-295 aircrafts since 2010, and the MIRS (Multi-Influence Signature Measurement for ships and submarines). The Chilean naval show is celebrated every two years since 1998 and it has been consolidated as an encounter in Latin America for the international defence industry.

The 12 International Naval Exhibition and Congress for Latin America took place from the 29th November to the 2nd December in Valaparaíso (Chile). Navy representatives from 35 countries attended the show, along with 160 exhibitor companies, leaders on technology solutions for the naval and defence industries.

SAES presented its latest generation of SPAS (Sonobuoys Acoustic Processor System) and MIRS (Multi-Influence Signature Measurement for ships and submarines), among its solutions for Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) for detecting, locating and tracking underwater threats from aerial platforms.

SAES has vast experience developing these systems for international Navies such as those of Chile, Brazil or Sweden. Chile is a key country for SAES, as they have SAES SPAS system installed in their C-295 aircrafts since 2010.

Sonobuoys acoustic processor systems

Together with the SPAS system, the DISOUROS (Integrated ASW Solution for Dipping Sonar and Sonobuoys) are both ASW solutions in the international market lead, and are developed by SAES for warships, maritime patrol aircrafts, ASW helicopters and RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems).

SPAS is a solution for ASW aircrafts. An acoustic system integrated with the Tactical Mission System that allows detecting, locating and tracking submarines and ships by the acoustic signal measurement done by the sonobuoys deployed.

SPAS system is operational in different countries and different platforms such as the P-3B Orión and the C-295 aircrafts, and the SH-60B LAMPS and the A-109 helicopters.

The SPAS system also allows RPAS act as an advanced measurement station for the early warning of submarine contact.

The DISOURUS system incorporates the interoperability between the different ASW platforms involved, which allows to have a common operational picture with all the tactical information.

Underwater Signature Measurement

The MIRS system is a portable signature measurement station that receives the full signature (acoustic, magnetic and electrical) of any surface ship or submarine. It can be also used as a discreet device to gather intelligence information of the underwater signature or as a tool to verify the levels of the ship signature before an ASW mission.

Alejandro Rejas, head of Defence Market and Ignacio Gutiérrez, head of the ASW Line, representing SAES, together with frigate captain Sebastián Simenone.

SAES presents at Indo Defence its solutions for maritime security and underwater defence

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SAES is participating in one of the greatest Defence exhibitions in South-East Asia: Indo Defence 2022, which takes place from 2nd to 5th November in Jakarta. SAES presents its latest systems in underwater security, measurement and protection at the show, and will host a conference on smart naval mines.

SAES is taking part in the Indo Defence international exhibition in Jakarta from 2nd to 5th November, organised by the Indonesia Ministry of Defence, with the participation of 59 countries.

Además, la compañía está manteniendo reuniones B2B con diversas A mockup of SAES smart naval mine, MINEA, is being showcased at the SAES booth, where B2B meetings are being held with companies and delegations of South-East Asian countries. Most of the interest is shown in SAES solutions on maritime security, underwater measurements as well as surveillance and protection of ports and critical infrastructures at sea.

MINEA conference

The programme of events at Indo Defence includes a conference by SAES on the 4th November at 11 AM with an overall introduction of the company, followed by a more in-depth presentation of the MINEA smart naval mines.

SAES is developing its products focusing on a constant innovation process in order to face the new trends and challenges in naval war. SAES naval mines can be activated by magnetic, electric or acoustic influences, thus improving its efficiency to protect and control strategic areas, straits, channels and other maritime zones.

Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesian companies

SAES has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two Indonesian companies, to join for common synergies within the country in the field of maritime security.

The MOU signature has been formalised in presence of the Indonesian Defence Minister, Prabowo Subianto, and the Spanish Ambassador to the Indonesian Republic, Francisco Aguilera Aranda.

SAES presents its products for ship signature control in Navalia, the International Shipbuilding Exhibition at Vigo, Spain

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SAES takes part together with Navantia in the 8th edition of Navalia (24-26 May 2022), one of the main shipbuilding and maritime sector exhibitions in Southern Europe. SAES, specialised in underwater acoustics, is showing its underwater measurement systems for the civil sector.

Navalia, the International Shipbuilding Exhibition, brings together every two years the most relevant governmental institutions for the sector and for national and international trading. More than 14 years of work and 7 editions of the show later, Navalia has become the most important naval exhibition in Spain and one of the top three in Southern Europe. It is also a global event accommodating every sector of this industry: shipyards, ship operators, naval engineering, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

SAES has more than 30 years of naval industry experience and it provides high-tec solutions for both the military and civil sectors, including defence and security of critical infrastructures.

At Navalia 2022 SAES is showing its products on underwater signature measurement and analysis, such as the SDH (Smart Digital Hydrophone) or the MIRS (portable multi-influence signature measurement system for ships and submarines) which simultaneously provides real measurements of the following influences: magnetic, electric, pressure, acoustic, and seismic.

As well as underwater measurement systems, SAES also provides engineering services such as the control of acoustic, magnetic and electric signatures of vessels, applying its wide experience on military ships to the maritime civil and naval industry. These services include studies on the initial stages of ship designing, the monitoring of signatures during the whole manufacturing process (in close collaboration with the shipyard), as well as the final measurement of the vessel radiated noise once the ship is out of the shipyard.

These solutions are applied for scientific and environmental studies, as well as to verify the levels of underwater noise (acoustic, magnetic, and electric) caused by maritime traffic, offshore construction activities, oil and gas extraction platforms and offshore wind farms, among others, as well as any installation or activity that may introduce energy into the marine environment.

Underwater protection of critical infrastructures

In the field of security, SAES provides systems for underwater protection of critical infrastructures such as ports, offshore installations, fish farming (aquaculture), etc. For instance, systems such as SAES diver detection sonar system (DDS-03, available to see at Navalia), allows the protection of infrastructures from underwater threats (divers, submarine vehicles, etc.).

SAES underwater deterrent system (called DES) complements the system SAES underwater deterrent system (called DES) complements the system allowing action against intruder divers by sending audible messages to alert them. Both systems (DDS-03 and DES) can be permanently installed at the dock, from anchoring vessels or even from surveillance vehicles (including unmanned vehicles USV/UUV) in order to broaden its range of application.

Besides its solutions based on active sonars, SAES can also apply its know-how on acoustic, electric, and magnetic sensors to offer a complete and integrated underwater protection to any infrastructure that may require it.

SAES participates in a presentation on the economic, industrial and social impact of the defence sector in Andalusia

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Cristina Abad, SAES General Manager, took part in the round table scheduled for the II Course on Defence and Strategic Studies of the International University of Andalusia (UNIA): “Towards the Spanish Armed Forces of the XXI century”. The aim of this event was to highlight the political, social and economic importance of investing in the Defence sector.

  SAES General Manager, Cristina Abad, participated last 6th October in the round table on the economic, industrial and social impact of the defence sector in Andalusia, scheduled within the II Course on Defence and Strategic Studies. The theme of the round table was ‘Towards the Spanish Armed Forces of the XXI century,’ and it was organised by the International University of Andalusia (UNIA).

According to Cristina Abad, “it is important to know the contribution to society of companies in the defence sector such as SAES, which is a public company that generates employment and develops high technology in Andalusia and the region of Murcia.”

SAES in Defence Course of the International University of Andalusia
Cristina Abad y Cristóbal Sánchez in the center, Maite Sampalo, on the left y Christian Villanueva on the right.

Some other participants in the round table were: Cristóbal Sánchez, Secretary of the Junta de Andalucía for Industry; Christian Villanueva, Editor of “Ejércitos” magazine; and Maite Sampalo, Economic and Planning Manager of the Bahía de Cádiz for Navantia.

Guillem Colom, professor at Pablo de Olavide University (UPO), directed the Summer course ‘Towards the Spanish Armed Forces of the XXI century’, which took place 5th-6th October, in both onsite and online formats. The objective was to discuss the political, social and economic importance of investing in the defence sector and how relevant is to having a modern, balanced, viable and sustainable army.

  This training, in which he collaborates with the Secretary General for Defence Policy (Ministry of Defence), aims to learn about the main strategic-military trends and their potential impact on the Spanish defence sector, as well as to analyse the activities that are being carried out to adapt the Spanish Armed Forces to the future operating environment; and also to understand the national defence planning process, its main conditioning factors, as well as its financing and support.

SAES participates with Navantia in UNVEX 2021

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SAES presents its ASW solutions for RPAS and underwater sensors for USV and UUV at the Spanish drone fair.

For UAVs, SAES, which participates in UNVEX 2021 as a co-exhibitor with Navantia, supplies state-of-the-art ASW solutions based on sonobuoys, which enable RPAS as an advanced station for submarine early warning, as well as high-technology underwater sensors and improved signal processing for USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) and UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles).

SAES participa con Navantia en UNVEX 2021
Illustration 1: Cristina Abad Salinas, General Director of SAES (center), together with Adolfo Hernández Solano, Commercial & Business Development Director (on the left), and Eduardo Ruiz Pérez, Civil, Security & UxVs Sales and Business Develooment Manager (on the right).

In this sense, SAES has shown two presentations at the Navantia-SAES stand. The first one about its ASW solutions for RPAS, which took place on July 7 at 1:00 p.m., by Ignacio Gutiérrez, Head of ASW Line of Business, entitled “ROASW: ASW System for operation with RPAS”.

On March 2014 SAES attended the III Congress on unmanned vehicles UNVEX’2014 in Madrid. On that occasion, the conference by Ignacio Gutiérrez, entitled “Industry Solutions II”, already indicated that the new ASW missions were going to require the use of UAVs as a distant and elevated platform without a dedicated operator.

In the second presentation, entitled “Submarine sensors in UUV and USV”, on July 8 at 11 am, Eduardo Ruiz Pérez, Sales and Business Development Manager for Civil, Security & UxVs, explained that the sensors will have a great relevance in the evolution of aspects such as autonomy of the UUV, where a technological leap is foreseen, of “strategic importance” for defence and industry.

In the field of unmanned underwater vehicles, SAES presented in December 2020, together with Navantia, the ACASUB proposal, within the Ports 4.0 initiative, to provide submarine capabilities to the USV Vendaval from Navantia, in service at the port of Ceuta. Apart from incorporating its real-time monitoring, the estimation of the noise source, object detection and the sending of acoustic signals to divers in the protection area are under development.

SAES also collaborated in the Ocean Master project to develop a vehicle with a dual function, underwater and surface, adaptable to different platforms. In this initiative, which ended a year ago, SAES worked on the payload, integrating a side scan sonar, acoustic communications and its sonar for the detection of divers.

OCEAN MASTER project for the development of a multi-role unmanned vehicle nominated for FINE Awards.

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OCEAN MASTER has been developed by the consortium formed by ELINCO, AISTER, GHENOVA, AID and SAES. It is designed to be adapted to all types of naval platforms by an own deployment and transport system. 

The “Ocean Master” project has been a finalist in the category “Outstanding  maritime engineering project”. In this category the following criteria are taken into account: innovative construction, design and materials, improvements and benefits originated, as well as the value for both the society and the maritime industry. Navantia also has participated as an observer of the project as interested in the results and technology.

The awards will be given on February 12 in Bilbao, during the World Maritime Week, in which SAES is an exhibitor. Main managers and personalities of the sector (ship owners, shipyards, institutions, associations, auxiliary industry, etc.) will attend to the awards ceremony. In addition, the event has support of Navalia, Sinaval, Cepesca, Spanish Maritime Cluster, Association of Naval and Oceanic Engineers of Spain and Anave.

OCEAN MASTER project (Multi-purpose Autonomous Vehicle for different environments and roles).

The OCEAN MASTER project  is focused on the development of a multi-mission unmanned vehicle. It has modular configuration and capacity to carry out missions in highly complex and demanding environments. This vehicle is conceived to be adapted to all kind of naval platforms by means an own deployment-and-transport system.

SAES’ participation in OCEAN MASTER centers in two aspects: the payload of the vehicle and the acoustic communications between vehicles or between a vehicle and surface. A Side Scan Sonar (SSS) is included into the vehicle as payload in order to perform bottom surveys and surveillance of channels and harbour accesses. Also a Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) is included to detect both divers and objects in underwater. As communication system, an acoustic data link is used to allow the interchange of commands and data.

Security solutions and underwater measurement.

SAES will have a stand (D21) in the exhibition area of ​​the World Maritime Week exhibition. It will be exhibited a model of the DDS-03 diver detection sonar for protection of critical infrastructures and ships. Likewise, it will also show a model of the SDH intelligent digital hydrophone. The SDH is used for acoustic underwater measurements. It is especially useful for the verification of environmental requirements regarding acoustic emissions.

European subsidy.

OCEAN MASTER has been selected in the FEDER Innterconecta 2015 call. It is co-funded by CDTI (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness) and FEDER funds, throughout the Operational Programme for Smart Growth 2014-2020. It is developed in the regions of: Andalucia, Galicia, Madrid and Murcia. The end of the project is scheduled for Mars 2018. Its overall budget is of 2.138.782 €.