Nov 7, 2018
HMAS Arunta’s new mast has been installed in a major milestone as part of the ship’s Mid Life Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) being undertaken at BAE Systems Australia’s Henderson facility.
The new mast was manufactured by BAE Systems as part of the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) between BAE Systems, SAAB Australia, Naval Ship Management (NSM) and the Commonwealth of Australia.
Around 650 people are currently working on the upgrade of the Anzac frigate fleet, including 400 BAE Systems Australia employees.
By Type (Weapon Systems, Communication and Surveillance Systems, Sensors and Computation Systems, Countermeasure Systems and Payload, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles), By Mode of Operation (Manned Operations, Autonomous Operations, Remotely Operations), By Application (Combat, C4ISR, Others), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029F
Download free sample pagesThe mast installation is one of the last major works on the ship ahead of her undocking before the end of the year. She will then undertake sea trials ahead of a planned return to service in 2019.
The replacement mast is taller and wider than the existing mast so that it can accommodate the new CEA L-Band radar system, while retaining the existing Anti-Ship Missile Defence radar capability. The new L-Band radar capability will be integrated into the existing Combat Management Systems of the ship by SAAB Australia.
HMAS Arunta arrived at Henderson in September 2017. As part of her upgrade, she will have:
As well, the Control and Monitoring System of the ship has also received a technological refresh, replacing existing analogue technology with digital. This is the first time that such a technology refresh has been undertaken on such a large scale on the Anzac Class ships. Integration of the communications system into the existing ships data communications systems has been closely managed during design by Melbourne based defence communications company Leonardo.
BAE Systems Chief Executive Gabby Costigan said:
“Our Maritime Sustainment team at Henderson and Williamstown (Victoria) has established and maintained an important maritime engineering and program management capability through the sustainment of the ANZAC fleet over more than two decades through an Alliance arrangement.
“That capability is critical to ensure that the project achieves quality, cost and schedule milestones despite the enormous complexity of such work.”
HMAS Anzac has also commenced her AMCAP upgrade at our Henderson facility.
