Page 16 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

COMMS INTEGRATOR BACKS TAOT INTO THE FUTURE
Rohde & Schwarz Australia is com- pleting mid-life upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force’s Transportable Air Operations Towers (TAOTs), ensuring the RAAF has the latest technology to support deployed operations in defence of Australia for years to come. With re- cent success providing communications solutions for Navy, the company is well poised to demonstrate its communica- tions expertise in other domains.
In 2008, the RAAF sought the acquisition of a forward de- ployed air traffic control capability. Rohde & Schwarz Australia answered the call as prime and systems integrator, engaging with subcontractors and suppliers throughout Australia and
internationally to provide a solid foundation for the successful de- livery of capability and the provision of cost-effective sustainment through life.
In 2012, three TAOTs were delivered, with the Rohde & Schwarz Australia / GTESPO (now S&CSPO) team receiving a High Com- mendation for Defence/Industry Team of the Year for Minor Acqui- sition in 2009.
Now, the first TAOT has rolled out of the Rohde & Schwarz Aus- tralia Systems Integration Facility having completed the first tranche of mid-life upgrades to assure the capability and extend its service life to 2030 and beyond.
“These upgrades commenced in 2019 will serve to not only remediate obsolescence, but also to incorporate new technolo-
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