I just looked at Raytheon’s catalogue and it said PAC-3 MSE, so... Interesting, thanks for the heads up and apologies to @ADMk2 for the pedantry
I just looked at Raytheon’s catalogue and it said PAC-3 MSE, so... Interesting, thanks for the heads up and apologies to @ADMk2 for the pedantry
Odd to see them "jointly" offer a product with LM. You'd have to think it is a fair chance to feature in the MR GBAD system at any rate. Time shall tell I guess...I just looked at Raytheon’s catalogue and it said PAC-3 MSE, so...
As if on cue...I just looked at Raytheon’s catalogue and it said PAC-3 MSE, so...
The government has signed a $111 million sustainment contract with Raytheon Australia to support the jointly developed Raytheon-Kongsberg National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS).
This contract will support the new Short Range Ground Based Air Defence Capability, part of the Land 19 Phase 7B program.
The announcement builds on today's official opening of Raytheon Australia’s new Centre for Joint Integration in Mawson Lakes, SA, which was opened by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The Centre for Joint Integration has two main components: the Core Facility, which includes training and systems integration laboratory space and office accommodation; and the Integration Facility that includes the company’s first major production facility in Australia. This includes 6,500 square metres of light manufacturing, integration, depot repair and warehousing space. It will serve as the dedicated space to deliver Army’s short-range ground-based air defence program - Land 19 Phase 7B including assembly of components manufactured by local suppliers.
“In this facility, we will work with defence and industry in sophisticated systems integration laboratories, as well as experimentation areas and training rooms,” Raytheon Australia Managing Director Michael Ward said. “These spaces will ensure we can work with our customers and partners to deliver fully integrated sovereign capabilities and also train the workforce of the future.”
“The Centre for Joint Integration will contribute to the development of some of Australia’s most important defence capabilities,” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said.
“It will serve as Raytheon’s main site for the manufacture, assembly and systems integration in Australia and will play a pivotal role in supporting and sustaining the new Short Range Ground Based Air Defence Capability.”
The Centre for Joint Integration will also be the primary support facility for the new air defence capability over its 20-year life. The $111 million support contract will provide the initial five years of sustainment, with an option to extend to the full 20 years.
Support activities for the new air defence capability will begin at the centre in 2022, in preparation for the NASAM’s introduction into service with Army in 2023.
Yes. Its almost exactly like 1936. That is both disturbing and positive in the same sentence.Now it's like 1936 and trying to work out how we can possibly build the industrial capability we are going to need before we need it.
The sonar will be fairly low down and maybe could even allow the removal of some ballast. Not sure of the arrangement aft in an ANZAC but it would definately be easier than adding more weight to a mast.This one came as a surprise to me as I thought the FFH's were maxed out on space and weight.
ANZAC class frigates to get towed array sonar systems - Australian Defence Magazine
Some 16 to 21 years after commissioning, the RAN’s eight Anzac-class frigates are to be equipped with towed array sonar systems.www.australiandefence.com.au
Really not sure how much more can be done with the class to keep them relevant. IIRC, AMCAP gives them the full set of GaN AESA arrays and ESSM BlkII is already in the pipeline. Swap Harpoon with NSM and throw in the new LWT and that's about a wrap I imagine...
The original design was FFBNW a towed sonar, so the ‘weight margin’ may well include such a system, were it to actually be fitted?This one came as a surprise to me as I thought the FFH's were maxed out on space and weight.
ANZAC class frigates to get towed array sonar systems - Australian Defence Magazine
Some 16 to 21 years after commissioning, the RAN’s eight Anzac-class frigates are to be equipped with towed array sonar systems.www.australiandefence.com.au
Really not sure how much more can be done with the class to keep them relevant. IIRC, AMCAP gives them the full set of GaN AESA arrays and ESSM BlkII is already in the pipeline. Swap Harpoon with NSM and throw in the new LWT and that's about a wrap I imagine...
Yes it would be interesting to find out as I was unaware that this was even a possibility. I have heard that the quality of the Sonar 2087 system slated for the Hunters was something of a selling point - perhaps it will find its way onto the Anzacs before their replacements arrive...The original design was FFBNW a towed sonar, so the ‘weight margin’ may well include such a system, were it to actually be fitted?
I am just amazed that our primary ASW frigate hasn’t been fitted with one before now...
Perhaps it is simply that technology has reached the point where it is now viable with the margin available on the class?
Certainly good news and agree it's amazing the ANZAC's have not had this capability before.The original design was FFBNW a towed sonar, so the ‘weight margin’ may well include such a system, were it to actually be fitted?
I am just amazed that our primary ASW frigate hasn’t been fitted with one before now...
Perhaps it is simply that technology has reached the point where it is now viable with the margin available on the class?
IIRC one of the early FFH's had been fitted with a TSA for a short period of time early on in the programme. I had formed the impression that it was done more as a 'proof of concept' than as an indicator that the ANZAC-class was to have a major ASW role. After all, they were only originally intended to be kitted out with the hull-mounted sonar and Mk 32 triple LWT launchers, plus the SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite with Penguin AShM to assist in the ASuW role. As such, the FFH as kitted out would have been of minimal use in ASW ops. Even with the S-70-B2 Seahawks, the ASW capabilities were somewhat lacking since they had sonobuoys, but lacked a dipping sonar.The original design was FFBNW a towed sonar, so the ‘weight margin’ may well include such a system, were it to actually be fitted?
I am just amazed that our primary ASW frigate hasn’t been fitted with one before now...
Perhaps it is simply that technology has reached the point where it is now viable with the margin available on the class?
We acquired 3 Kariwara TSA’s for the ANZACS initially with a plan to roll them out across the entire fleet. But financial pressures and a perceived reduced submarine threat put paid to that idea.IIRC one of the early FFH's had been fitted with a TSA for a short period of time early on in the programme. I had formed the impression that it was done more as a 'proof of concept' than as an indicator that the ANZAC-class was to have a major ASW role. After all, they were only originally intended to be kitted out with the hull-mounted sonar and Mk 32 triple LWT launchers, plus the SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite with Penguin AShM to assist in the ASuW role. As such, the FFH as kitted out would have been of minimal use in ASW ops. Even with the S-70-B2 Seahawks, the ASW capabilities were somewhat lacking since they had sonobuoys, but lacked a dipping sonar.
The Typhoons are installed already either side of the funnel. She's had them since arrival at FBE.2x 25mm Typhoon guns and a pair of Phalanx on HMAS Supply by the look of things (only 1x Phalanx installed at present).
Yep, went and had a look over the weekend. Interesting the delays on the Canberra Class upgrades. Can’t help but think they’ve run into some design issues...The Typhoons are installed already either side of the funnel. She's had them since arrival at FBE.
I am wondering if they are waiting for the modifications to the ex FFG mounts to be completed. Certainly seems to be taking an eternity!Yep, went and had a look over the weekend. Interesting the delays on the Canberra Class upgrades. Can’t help but think they’ve run into some design issues...
Thanks for the link. There has certainly been a blowout in the original timeframe for this work. I noticed in one of the photos published by Defence Images re the commissioning of Supply that Choules (in the background) seems to be having some work on her forward of the bridge. Phalanx fitting perhaps?Not sure whether the time frame for the upgrade has been posted here or not. Currently only 2 upgraded systems have been fitted, Sydney and Supply. 4 more systems should be back by now awaiting fitting and Hobart and Brisbane have non upgraded systems fitted, that should leave 4 currently being upgraded and 2 still to be sent to the US.