ELECTRONICS – My Blog

Korean Navy contracts eMARINE for ASWTT maintenance

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) has awarded a contract to eMARINE Global for the maintenance of anti-submarine war tactical training (ASWTT) simulator at Jinhae Naval Base.

The contract is valued at $706,000 and is the Navy’s first maintenance contract to be outsourced to a local company. The simulator was installed by Italian simulator manufacturer ECA Sindel ten years ago.

As part of the maintenance service, eMARINE Global has signed an agreement with ECA Sindel for technical support.

With this latest award for the ASWTT simulator maintenance, we believe we are in a favorable position to win additional training simulator supply and maintenance contracts in 2018.” stated Dr. Ung Gyu Kim, Chairman and CEO of eMARINE Global.

ASWTT simulators are expected to be implemented at other naval bases in 2018.

You can read official announcement here

ECA Group has signed a contract to deliver steering console for third South Korean KSS-III submarine

Already providing steering consoles for 2 submarines as part of the Korean KSS-III Submarine Project, ECA Group has signed a contract to supply of another steering console for the 3rd submarine.

The first two submarines of the project will be built under the contract of South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and the third one to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. After this announcement ECA Group has already had contracts with both companies to supply the steering consoles for all three boats.

Download product data sheet here

South Korea’s newest diesel-electric type, KSS-III, is displacing 3,400t, with the first of an expected nine boats due for delivery in 2020.

SAAB to deliver updated ship control system for RAN Collins Class submarines

Saab has signed a contract with ASC for supply of an updated Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System (ISCMMS) for four Royal Australian Navy Collins class submarines. The contract value is AUD 24.2 million (150 MSEK).

“Saab Australia carried out design, software and hardware development work for the updated ISCMMS during the first stage of the project. Saab’s design and production work has been carried out in Australia involving over 50 Saab and local subcontractor staff.” says Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia.

ASC will integrate the new system into the remaining submarines commencing in 2019, as they complete their maintenance cycles.

ISCMMS allows the submarine crew to centrally control many submarine systems, fully integrating the management of propulsion, trim, power generation and ship services on board the submarine.

ASC Official Press Release here

SAAB Official Press Release here

Australia’s DST to collaborate with CEA Technologies to develop advanced electronic warfare

On March 1, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, announced a five-year research and development agreement between the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) and CEA Technologies to develop new solutions for Defence’s future requirements in radar, communications, and electronic warfare.

“This collaboration has relevance to programs such as the Future Frigates and will also help inform future programs in the aerospace, maritime and land domains” said Minister Pyne.

CEA Technologies has delivered the world’s first fourth generation Active Phased Array Radar technology for Australia’s ANZAC Class frigates.

The research agreement was signed in Canberra by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, and Mr Merv Davis, CEO of CEA Technologies.

You can read official press release here.

Boeing awarded $73m contract to modernize US Navy Super Hornets

Boeing has been awarded a contract to modernize the U.S. Navy F/A-18 fleet, extending the life of existing Super Hornets from 6,000 to 9,000+ flight hours. In the early 2020s, Boeing will begin installing initial updates to the aircraft that will convert existing Block II Super Hornets to a new Block III configuration.

The Block III conversion will include enhanced network capability, longer range with conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system. The updates are expected to keep the F/A-18 in active service for decades to come.

According to company’s official announcement; “The initial focus of this program will extend the life of the fleet from 6,000 to 9,000 flight hours,” said Mark Sears, SLM program director. “But SLM will expand to include Block II to Block III conversion, systems grooming and reset and O-level maintenance tasks designed to deliver a more maintainable aircraft with an extended life and more capability. Each of these jets will fly another 10 to 15 years, so making them next-generation aircraft is critical.”

The Super Hornet Block III could incorporate a new 10” x 19” large screen cockpit display as first proposed for Boeing’s Advanced Super Hornet concept.

ECA Group unveils new generation mid-size A18-M AUV for MCM

ECA Group presented its latest mid-size AUV A18-M dedicated to mine counter measures.

The vehicle has been developed by ECA Group for efficient mine detection and classification in all water depths up to 300m. Like the other ECA Group AUVs A9-M and A27-M, the AUV A18-M is specifically designed to operate in close vicinity of the smartest mines without triggering them.

Due to its large endurance and payload capacity it is able to host high performance sonar payloads, such as synthetic aperture sonar, which provide unprecedented detection and classification performance.

“This mid-size AUV is the top trade-off between size, weight and long endurance. Its payload capacity makes it able to host high performance sonar, such as synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), providing unprecedented detection and classification performances,” said Léonie Delacou, AUV product manager at ECA Group.

For technical details you can visit official product page

For details you can read company official announcement here.

BAE Systems selected to help U.S. Navy SPAWAR identify and track threats

The U.S. Navy has selected BAE Systems to provide equipment and support services for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWAR).

Work under the contract will help SPAWAR’s Joint Warfare Support Division to field, adapt, and optimize a variety of mission critical surveillance and sensor systems. Services will include systems integration, test and evaluation, training, certification, maintenance, life-cycle management, and technical field service support. The total value of all orders to be awarded over the life of the IDIQ is estimated at $180 million.

You can read the details here on official press release…

Thales to develop new sonar system for French Future SSBNs

The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Thales a contract to develop a new sonar system for future SSBNs.

According to Thales official press release; the contract includes a period of a 42-month to conduct a set of studies and technological developments for a sonar system to be equipped on France’s future third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SNLE 3G).

This new research and development programme builds on the results of studies launched under France’s two previous defence spending plans. It will include final validation of the fourth-generation flank arrays and the development of a new sonar interceptor, with latest-generation adaptive antenna processing and threat classification algorithms as well as an innovative bow-mounted antenna concept.

Saab Provides Tactical Data Links to Swedish Navy

Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has awarded Saab a contract to provide Multi Tactical Data Links to the Swedish Navy. The total order value is SEK 148 million ($18.3 million)

The Navy platforms will be upgraded with data links such as Link 16 and Link 22.This enables closer co-operation and communication with other nations at sea during missions.

Saab 9LV Combat Management System (CMS) will be upgraded as part of the deliveries.

“The integration of the Tactical Data Links into the Saab 9LV CMS on board the Navy’s surface warfare vessels will further strengthen Swedish Navy’s operational capability,” says Anders Carp, Senior Vice President and head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.”

Link 16 is a military tactical data exchange network used by NATO and associated nations to allow military aircraft, ships and ground forces to exchange tactical information securely in near real-time. Link 22 is primarily maritime and complements Link 16.

Saab’s 9LV CMS is used as command and control centre for many advanced surface vessels and submarines, providing naval forces with outstanding operational capabilities, supporting all mission types, from littorals to the open ocean.

SAFRAN Navigation has been selected for Royal Netherlands Navy Walrus-Class submarines

After an international bidding process, French company Safran Electronics & Defense has been chosen to deliver navigation system as part of the modernization project of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Walrus-class submarines.

The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) was in charge of the selection process. In a joint statement, projects procurement officer Danny Pronk and senior naval systems integrator Jaap Hagesteijn, representing the DMO, said: “We chose Safran Electronics & Defense because we have great confidence in their long experience as a supplier of naval equipment.”

Sigma 40 navigation systems are built around a ring laser gyro (RLG) inertial core. The systems are deployed by more than 40 navies worldwide.