Defence Update

The Link 11 system, says BAeA, will enable the RAAF to substantially extend the range of its own defence radar system through access to tracking data from various sources, including land based radar, and radar mounted on ships and aircraft.

BAeA, as prime contractor, will team with Starlite Electronics and Rockwell Electronics on the project.

Link 11 is basically a US Navy secure data system which has also been adopted by NATO. It also has been introduced to the RAN and the Japanese Defence Force, following implementation as a major element of the USN’s anti-ship missile defence program. The system, will provide commonality with existing Link 11 communications systems already in use with the RAN and Allied vessels and aircraft. It will use state-of-the-art technology in the field of embedded computer systems and communications equipment, and will replace the current manual methods, allowing the more efficient use of valuable manpower.

Link 11 will integrate the information into visual displays at three RAAF bases – the Williamtown fighter base near Newcastle, the forward base at Darwin, and into the mobile system based at Amberley, Queensland, which is used for the Tactical Air Defence radar system. This Air Defence Group environment (ADGE) unit comprises 2 CRU (Control and Reporting Unit) at Darwin, 3 CRU at Williamtown, and 114 M/CRU at Amberley. The work will be carried out basically in parallel, bl. it acceptance will be staggered to take place in March and April, 1993.

In essence the new system also will assist in the transfer of technical-information and targeting. BAeA will manage installation of Link 11 systems at the three bases. The first task will be to develop the sophisticated system software and operator consoles. BAeA further will be responsible for system integration and test. Stanilite Electronics will supply the High Frequency communications system for exchange of tactical data and voice traffic. Rockwell Electronics will integrate equipment into a transportable shelter for the mobile system based at Amberley.BAeA won another Defence contract recently. The company was awarded a $9. 5m contract to supply an Operations Team Training facility to the Royal Australian Navy. The team trainer is a cost effective simulator designed to train a ship’s operations team in the use of the modernised guided missile destroyer (DDG) combat systems. The RAN has three DDGs – HMAS Perth, Hobart and Brisbane