Hybrid escorts combine towed arrays, helicopters, and UAVs

In the proposed arrangement, a crewed frigate uses direct data links to coordinate four or five nearby uncrewed units. Towed arrays on two escorts add to the crewed ship's sonar coverage, with the frigate processing the combined information. Once a submarine is located, a helicopter and supporting UAVs could use dipping sonar and sonobuoys to maintain contact. The aircraft would return to the nearby frigate for reloading before resuming the hunt. This makes the crewed ship a local command and support centre for a distributed anti-submarine screen.