now operate both the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) and the RIM-66 Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIIA. The ANZACs have been undergoing
their Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) programme, which began in 2004. This includes Saab’s 9LV 453 Mk 3E combat management system, CEA Technologies’ CEAFAR active phased array radar and CEAMOUNT missile illuminator, Sagem Vampir infrared search and track sensor and an extension of the ship’s data links to receive Link 16. At the end of May HMAS Perth successfully launched an ESSM and the government plans to roll out similar upgrades to the rest of the ANZACs.
ANZAC PSU Te New Zealand ships have been subject to a Platform Systems Upgrade (PSU) by Babcock Fitzroy since 2009, which focuses upon replacing the diesel engines and improving stability. The problems were underlined in mid-June when HMNZS Te Mana had to put in to Singapore on her starboard diesel for urgent repairs after divers conducting routine checks discovered bearing problems on both A-brackets (which hold the propeller shafts). The frigate was out of action for about a week before she could resume a series of planned visits to South East Asia. Te PSUs are being conducted during maintenance periods and include replacing the engineering control and monitoring system as well as improving hotel services. HMNZS Te Kaha should complete her upgrade next year and her sister ship the following year. Both ships have had their Phalanx
systems upgraded to Block 1B standard and Auckland is considering a self-defence upgrade. An industry ‘engagement day’ was held by Tales New Zealand in the first half of August with regard to the next phase of the major Frigate Systems Upgrade project with the company planning an upgraded combat management system as well as new sensor and radar capabilities and associated through-life support services. A government decision is anticipated early in 2012 aſter Defence Minister Mr Wayne Mapp announced the second phase of the NZ$58 million (US$48.6 million) systems upgrade in February, which includes PSU work but the New Zealand ships will also receive Siemens Integrated Navigation
Warship Technology October 2011
The Royal
Australian Navy’s Collins class submarines have been plagued with problems.
and Tactical Systems which will integrated by OSI Geospatiale
into a common
multi-function workstation. Te Australian government is planning
an A$300 million five-year contract to maintain and repair its ANZACs. Tis is the first of the new group maintenance contracts to be released for tender and will replace current arrangements by which each warship maintenance is contracted individually to a panel of companies who competed for the work. Competing for the new contracts are: BAE Systems; Babcock/ UGL Infrastructure; Tales Australia; and DMS Maritime/Transfield Services. This is part of an on-going process
and on 18 July Mr Smith and Mr Clare published a plan to reform amphibious support ship repair and management practices as the next phase in a series of reforms to improve the Defence Ministry’s accountability, procurement and sustainment. The reforms will be applied to the Hobarts and the Canberras. Concern over naval procurement led the government to conduct an audit of 20
projects worth more than A$23 billion including warship procurement, upgrades and two helicopter programmes. The report at the end of June indicated a lack of communication between the navy and the defence agencies responsible for draſting requirements and for acquisition which have caused confusion, chronic delays and cost increases. It is interesting to note that in early August New Zealand’s Mr Mapp claimed the introduction into service of HMNZS Canterbury had led to much better procedures for introducing new equipment. Te only other major naval programme the
is replacement of the underway
replenishment tanker HMAS Success under Project Sea 1654 Phase 2 B. Tis A$350-400 million programme will be for a dedicated 20,000-25,000tonne vessel. A decision had been anticipated this year or next with an in-service date of 2015. However, given the problems with the Hobarts, Canberras and submarines as well as the current economic crisis it seems likely that the quarter-of-a- century-old HMAS Success may have to sail on longer than originally anticipated. WT
19
Feature 1
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40