Hydrographic Ships

Overview

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has contracted North Queensland Engineers and Agents (NQEA) Australia Pty Ltd to design and build two hydrographic ships. The design, supply, integration, set to work and test of the hydrographic ship communications system has been subcontracted to ADI Limited.

The ships will conduct hydrographic surveys within the area of direct military interest and throughout the area of Australia's charting responsibility.

The ships are a major naval asset in support of other defence tasks such as disaster relief, search and rescue, peace keeping and military surveillance, although they do not have a combat capability.

They have been designed and built to class under Lloyd's Register, with a common equipment fit. They are also built to commercial standards, except where military requirements are necessary for compatibility with other RAN units. The design has adopted a minimal manning philosophy.

Communications System Overview

The communications system consists of internal and external communications capabilities, including voice communications, helicopter operational circuits communications, low frequency (LF) through to ultra-high frequency (UHF) external communications, satellite and safety communications. The architecture comprises an Internal Communications System and an External Communications System, which include the following subsystems:

A block diagram of the communications system is shown below:

	Hydrographic Ship Communications (Click image to enlarge)

Functional Description

The System Control Subsystem (SCS) allows the ship's crew to monitor and control most internal and external communications equipment and subsystems. The operator interface to the Communications Management Subsystem (CMS) is the Communications Management Terminal (CMT).

The SCS contains the following switching equipment:

• Black switch. This equipment switches non-secure voice, data and control signals for the external communications equipment.
• Red switch. This equipment houses two distinct switching facilities in a common housing. The two switches are electrically isolated and independent. The two switches are:
• Secure switch. This equipment switches secure voice and data for the Secure Voice Subsystem and the Message Handling Subsystem
• Tactical intercom switch. This equipment switches interconnections between Remote User Stations of the Tactical Intercom Subsystem

Tactical Intercom Switch used for the hydrographic ships is a subset of the ANZAC Audio Switch Matrix. The secure switch was developed especially for the hydrographic ships.

Benefits

Use of a subset of the ANZAC Audio Switch Matrix to produce the tactical intercom switch reduces design cost and delivers proven technology. Additionally Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) and training overheads are reduced through commonality.

Capabilities

The design philosophy was guided by the operational concepts of minimum manning, unmanned communications centres and remote operation. This means that the equipment is quick and easy to use and provides instant and reliable communications that are demanded in tactical environments.

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