Page 33 - Australian Defence Magazine Dec19-Jan20

DEFENCE
DECEMBER 2019 – JANUARY 2020 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
DEFENCE BUSINESS
PACIFIC 33
NAVY LOOKS TO ENHANCE ROMEO CAPABILITIES
NIGEL PITTAWAY | SYDNEY
PACIFIC 2019 provided a glimpse into capabilities which may potentially find their way on the Navy’s fleet of Sikorsky MH- 60R Seahawk naval combat helicopters in the future.
In addition to future technologies, Navy has indicated that it will fit the Ku-band Hawklink data link to its major surface combatants, providing enhanced connectivity between the MH-60R and its parent ship. All 24 RAN Seahawks were delivered with Hawklink capability but up until now have been unable to use the tactical data link to communicate with Australian warships. Hawklink is a standard fit on US Navy surface combatants and the system is a routine compo- nent of its concept of operations.
In terms of technology, CAE had a full size (and weight) mock-up of its MADXR Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), which is mounted internally in an ASW helicopter and prov- en to be successful during recent testing with US Navy.
MAD systems are usually carried externally, due to inter- ference caused by mounting the unit within a metal airframe, but CAE says it has developed new software to overcome this problem. In trials, MADXR (for Extended Role) has proven to be as capable as CAE’s externally-mounted ASQ-508 sys- tem used by large fixed-wing ASW platforms.
Weighing just 2.23 kg, the system is being considered for inclusion in the US Navy’s MH-60R spiral upgrade program, with a potential contract in 2023. Australia is a close partner with the US Navy in MH-60R development and holds a uni-
ABOVE: The upgrade path for the Romeo fleet has a range of technology options.
fied approach to capability upgrades, so if the system is adopt- ed by the US Navy, it is likely that the RAN would follow suit. Another potential enhancement is the ability to control unmanned aerial systems from the MH-60R, in a Manned- Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T approach). Lockheed Martin Australia’s director of business development, Neale Prescott, told ADM at Pacific 2019 that some early trials of a Mis- sion Extension Kit developed by the company to modify the Sensor Operator’s (Senso’s) station in the cabin for MUM-T
operations have recently been carried out.
“We’re examining how we may be able to introduce new
displays and computing infrastructure for the SENSO sta- tion and have the ability to operate unmanned systems in concert with a crewed aircraft,” Prescott said. “The RAN has an experimental UAS squadron (822X Sqn) and is looking at how in will deploy unmanned systems to sea in the future and we see some opportunities there.” ■
TASMANIAN MARITIME SIMULATOR EXPERTISE ON SHOW
JULIAN KERR | SYDNEY
TASMANIAN-BASED Pivot Maritime is Australia’s only maritime simulator manufacturer and enjoys an enviable international reputation. This is achieved with 25 staff – 19 full-time and six part-time – that include computer pro- grammers, 3D modellers, mechanical and structural engi- neers, and mariners.
“Our core personnel are very static. It takes three years af- ter someone graduates for them to be of any use at all,” Pivot founder Dr Jeffrey Hawkins said to ADM.
At a fraction of the cost of standard simulators, clients from the defence, commercial shipping and recreational sec- tors can use portable simulators, designed for easy installa- tion and use on-board ships so no sea-time is lost.
“We model actual vessels, which accurately reflects vessel
manoeuvrability and hydrodynamic behaviour with scien- tific accuracy and visual realism. Our highly-immersive soft- ware can simulate complex tactical, dangerous operational or environmentally-challenging conditions safely and prior to combat or sea-missions,” Dr Hawkins said.
Pivot is currently developing a simulator for the RNZN’s new dive and hydrographic vessel Manawanui, and is in dis- cussion with the RAN on a range of training options.
The company is also dealing direct with the commander of the US Navy’s Surface Fleet Atlantic in determining what aircraft carrier systems Pivot should be modelling.
“We’ve been over there several times demonstrating our systems, and we left one there for several months,” Dr Hawkins said. “We’re pushing to lease simulators to them for a fixed period and we’re hoping for around 20 units. Our proposal is under evaluation and we’ve engaged a US partner who is already dealing with the USN.” ■