Boeing Modernised High Frequency Communications System Enters Service With Australian Defence Force

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], today announced the successful introduction into service of its Modernised High Frequency Communication System (MHFCS) for Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations. Boeing Defence Australia received official confirmation of the milestone from the Defence Materiel Organisation on Sept. 24. Final contract acceptance by the Commonwealth of Australia is expected in 2010.

"Boeing's MHFCS team has built and delivered the most advanced high frequency system in the world," said Nan Bouchard, vice president and general manager of Boeing C3 Networks. "This is an outstanding achievement and a true indication of Boeing's commitment to developing advanced technology solutions globally for our customers."

The MHFCS provides the ADF with a world-leading communication system to securely transmit voice and data services such as e-mail, facsimiles and Web browsing for remote stations where traditional telephone services are limited or unavailable. It is considered the world's most advanced strategic HF communications network because of its automation levels, range and clarity, traffic volume and connection speed.

"With international markets already showing interest in the system, MHFCS has the capacity to change HF communications globally," said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Network and Space Systems -- Australia. "It can provide nations with the highest level of global connectivity while, for the first time, maintaining their national sovereignty and information security."

MHFCS was delivered in two phases: the core system and the final system. The core system, delivered in 2004, replaced three of the ADF's aging HF communications systems with a single integrated system consisting of four HF radio stations and two purpose-built control centers -- one primary center and one backup. The recently delivered final system provides greater levels of automation, performance and capability for ADF users, including two generic mobile upgrade systems -- one land-and-sea component and one air platforms component. Work has now commenced to complete the major remaining work scope by upgrading the backup control center (from which operations had been conducted since 2004) to the same configuration as the operational main control center.