EM solutions to supply additional ASTIS MCE subsystems for RAN

Peter La Franchi, Sydney

Brisbane-based EM Solutions has confirmed it has received follow on orders from BAE Systems Australia for Ka-band hardware to be fitted to the Royal Australian Navy's three new air warfare destroyers and two landing helicopter dock warships.

EM Solutions will provide Ka-band up/down converters which will be integrated into BAE Systems standard Advanced SATCOM Terrestrial Infrastructure System Maritime Communications Element (ASTIS MCE) terminal developed for the Australian Defence Force under the ongoing Joint Project 2008 phase 3E.

ASTIS MCE terminals are already fitted to the RAN's four FFG7 Adelaide class and eight Meko 200 Anzac class frigates under contracts awarded by the Australian Department of Defence to BAE Systems in 2006.

No value has been disclosed for the latest award to EM Solutions, however the company has also disclosed it has secured a separate $A4 million contract from BAE Systems Australia for the supply of X and Ka-band hardware for use in the Australian Army's ‘Parakeet' tactical trunk communications architecture.

EM Solutions and BAE Systems Australia are currently cooperating on the development of a mobile Ka-band satellite communications system designed for integration into ground vehicles under an Australia Defence funded concept technology demonstration programme award worth $A2.513 million signed in September 2008. That project was mobilised 13 November 2008 and runs until 31 March 2010.

EM solutions will focus on development of the antennae subsystem while BAE Systems is responsible for vehicle integration and testing, as well as supporting overall system design.

The new terminal is expected to be tested aboard at Thales Australia Bushmaster protected infantry mobility vehicle, supporting mobile communications via the Wideband Global Satcom system.