Australia Selects ITT for AWD's Electronic Warfare System

14 April 2010

ITT ES-3701 Electronic Warfare System (all photos : ITT)

Selection of Electronic Warfare System for Air Warfare Destroyer

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today announced that the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance has selected ITT–EDO Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems, Inc as the preferred supplier for the electronic warfare system for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs).

“This is a modern electronic warfare system that uses proven technology and delivers the right capability and value for money. The solution also involves Australian companies and incorporates home-grown technology,” Mr Combet said.

“Electronic warfare covers the detection and classification of radar transmissions and the interception of communications signals. This system will allow the AWD to gain increased awareness of land, air and seaborne threats, giving the AWDs a capability edge.

“The ITT solution is based upon equipment used by several navies from around the world. The equipment includes the ITT ES-3701-02S system for the detection and identification of radars, and the Southwest Research Institute MBS-567A system for intercepting communication signals.”

ITT is teaming with Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems, Sydney, and Ultra Electronics Avalon Systems, Adelaide to deliver its solution.

“This strongly supports the Australian Government’s objectives for Priority Industry Capabilities in the area of electronic warfare, by enhancing the knowledge and capability of local industry in this important area.”

“Avalon Systems will be upgrading its multi-purpose digital receiver and integrating it with the ITT system. Jenkins Engineering will supply its low band receiver, integrate and conduct land-based testing of the complete system in Australia.”

“Jenkins Engineering will also install and test the equipment in the AWDs. This work will build upon their experience with the ITT equipment fitted to the Collins class submarines, extending their capability to support latest generation electronic warfare systems.”

The value of the contract is worth around $30 million.

(Australian DoD)

See Also :

Babcock Wins Valves Contract for Air Warfare Destroyer

8 April 2010

Babcock Pty has been awarded a $1.6 million (AUD) contract by ASC, shipbuilder for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) alliance, to supply high pressure (HP) air reduction stations for the three Hobart class AWDs.

Babcock's Australian operation is the appointed supplier for Thomson Valves Ltd (TVL) and provides in-country support for all TVL marine products in Australia and New Zealand. Under the new contract Babcock will supply eight TVL Reducing Stations on each of the Hobart class AWD fleet (HMAS Hobart, HMAS Sydney, and HMAS Brisbane). Babcock will be responsible for the supply and post-trial maintenance services of the equipment, which will be carried out in Adelaide by experienced Babcock maintenance engineers who have received specialist training at TVL's UK facility.

The order will be delivered over the next three years for installation on the three AWDs. The Reducing Stations will control air supplied for the operation of emergency low pressure air; starting of the gas turbines; starting of the propulsion diesel engines; and starting of the diesel generator. Each Reducing Station will be similar in design to that supplied to Navantia for the F100 Spanish destroyer on which the AWD is based.

Babcock provides a comprehensive range of depot level and dockside support services for the Australian defence industry, and holds the contract for the through life maintenance and refurbishment of the valves and reducing stations on the Anzac class frigates. This on-going support service is carried out from Babcock's purpose-designed WA facility, which is equipped with specialist support and test equipment.

Commenting on the contract award, Babcock's managing director in Australia Pat Donovan said: "We are delighted to have been awarded another contract to support the AWD project which now means that we are supplying in excess of $11 million (AUD) worth of equipment to the project and are continuing to discuss with the team further areas of support that we can offer. Babcock has extensive experience in the supply and through-life support of marine equipment both in Australia and with a number of management contracts for the UK Royal Navy among others. We will be managing the AWD valves contract from our new Techport facility, where our expanding engineering and service support teams are based, together with modern assembly and test workshop areas."

(ASDNews)