28 Jan 2010 | Ref. 017
BAE Systems has begun modifying the first of the Royal Australian Navy's ANZAC Class frigates to be upgraded under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) Project.
HMAS Perth entered the Henderson dockyard in Western Australia on 18 January on schedule.
The ASMD project is being managed by BAE Systems, Saab Systems and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) under an alliance contracting arrangement.
The upgrade will significantly improve the anti-ship self-defence capabilities of the ANZAC Class by integrating:
- The leading edge CEA Phased Array Radar (PAR)
- The Vampir NG Infrared Search & Track (IRST) system
- The Sharpeye Navigation Radar Systems (NRS), and
- An upgraded Combat Management System (CMS) including an improved Operations Room layout.
Jason Beer, BAE Systems Maritime Through Life Support General Manager, said today that the platform integration of these systems would require significant structural modifications.
"This includes replacement of both the frigate's forward and aft masts, which has required us to develop innovative design solutions to minimise the impact on the ship's weight and stability," he said.
Mr Beer said that BAE Systems work during the installation phase would create more than 150 highly skilled jobs at its Henderson base in WA.
"The experience gained over the past five years of designing and developing this project has enabled BAE Systems Maritime Business Unit to enhance critical skills in complex maritime combat systems integration and platform systems integration.
"These skills are crucial to maintaining the capability that will be needed for next generation naval programs such as the Future Frigate and the Offshore Combatant Vessel projects" Mr Beer said.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Simon Latimer, BAE Systems Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8480 8759, Mob: +61 (0) 401 674 110
simon.latimer@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384795
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
