ANZAC Class Communications

Customer

Royal Australian Navy (RAN)

History

ADI is subcontracted to Tenix Defence Systems (TDS) to deliver the communication system for the ANZAC Class of ships. These ships were constructed in the late 1980s and the first of type was delivered in 1996. The timing of the ANZAC contract meant that the first two ships were delivered with a communications suite using late 1980s technology, which no longer meets the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) requirements.

With the rapid rate of C4I development combined with the demands of allied interoperability, ongoing command control and communication system upgrades have been required in order to support current operations. The initial upgrades were requested by the RAN at very short notice to support the operational commitments of HMA Ships ANZAC and ARUNTA.

Although the initial communications upgrade plans were for ultra high frequency (UHF) military satellite communications only, ADI was able to identify other areas needing upgrade, the highest priority of these being the message handling system and the ability to receive the Navy's new high speed fleet broadcast messaging. These additional capabilities were affordable due to the excellent value for money provided by ADI.

The success and value for money achieved from the upgrades, which were completed in an extremely short time frame prompted the Navy to commence a program of upgrades for all ANZAC Class ships.

Benefits

• ADI's ongoing development of the integrated communications architecture has enabled installation of further new functionality whilst retaining full integration with existing C4 systems
• ADI and Navy continue to work closely on developing the most cost-effective communications upgrade of the ANZAC ships so an affordable plan is in place to ensure that the ANZAC Class ships have the C4 systems to remain effective
• ADI's innovation is providing Navy commanders with a communications system that is meeting their stringent demands
• ADI has been asked to investigate and make recommendations on the most effective approach to an enhancement program so that management of the ANZAC Class can be improved. The investigation will propose:
1. Target C4 architecture for the ANZAC Class and investigate the most effective migration plan for realising that commonality
2. Upgrades will be included as part of future builds
3. A methodology for implementing the necessary architecture to lead the RAN into the realm of network enabled operations or `network centric warfare'

Technical Features

• UHF MILSATCOM
• Link 11/passive Link tap
• VLF/LF/MF/HF/VHF/UHF subsystems
• OTCIXS
• Upgraded system control subsystem
• Secure voice/data
• Satellite communications/safety systems
• Red/black equipment switching
• Integrated internal communications subsystem
• High speed message handling
• Five Power Defence Agreement communications subsystem
• Meteorological subsystem
• Internal communications equipment
• Integrated modem functions including Link 11

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Vern Gallagher

General Manager, Strategy & Business Development

Electronic Systems

ADI Limited
Level 2, ACIL House
103-105 Northbourne Avenue
Canberra ACT 2612

Tel: +61 2 61205151, Mob: +61 407 408 547, Email: vern.gallagher@adi-limited.com