Naval Technology

GABLER Maschinenbau has so far manufactured and delivered 87 radar hoistable masts and 234 hoistable masts for ESM systems. As with other hoistable masts, the first radar systems used pressure-hull penetrating masts with a variety of drive mechanisms inside the boat, while the most modern version is a non-penetrating mast of trunk design with a torque motor located directly underneath the radar antenna as drive motor. The radar system can of course be used at any height above the edge of the bridge fin – the repeater of the hoisting height indicator clearly shows the position of the mast.

ESM (Electronic Support Measures) as an early warning system can also be integrated in other hoistable masts (such as the periscope, optronics mast or snorkel). If more specialised functions are required, it may be advisable to install a separate ESM mast. This kind of mast is of the non-penetrating variety and may incorporate a wide range of sensors. Special requirements can be accommodated; for example, in one particular case the specific needs of the customer were met by constructing a three-stage telescopic non-penetrating ESM mast that could be extended above all other hoistable masts.

GABLER Maschinenbau can thus take the special wishes of customers into account by adding or integrating special sensors or antennas for SIGINT/COMINT purposes to the radar and/or ESM mast.