Saab pushes ANZAC class Combat Management System for LHDs

While the current focus is on which of the two contenders, Tenix or ADI, will secure the contract to build Australia’s new Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs), it is important that the ship’s combat management system (CMS) should not slip too far down the agenda, according to Merv Davis, Managing Director, Saab Systems.

“The CMS on a vessel is the key to its self-defence ability and capability to function in an integrated battlespace,” says Davis.

Adelaide-based Saab Systems is offering the evolved 9LV combat management system, as currently operated in the ANZAC class Frigates, for the LHDs, pointing to the benefits of having common systems across the ship classes. 

“Having made substantial investment in developing the CMS on the ANZACs, both fiscally and in terms of refining the system in the field with the operators who actually use the system, there are a myriad of economical and operational advantages in taking this technology across to the new LHDs”, says Davis.

According to Davis, the unique Australian advantage is that the 9LV CMS is already developed through the ANZAC program to match Australia’s operational doctrine and tactical procedures. It matches what the RAN’s training schools teach and in working with other Australian warships – most of them ANZAC class – the operation of the combat system is identical.

In this present period of high operational tempo, Australia’s approval for stage one of the $2 billion amphibious ships project will provide Navy with the capability for landing and support of rapid deployment forces.  The LHDs will be available for use during peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, or in times of natural disasters, in addition to being battle-ready for actual war-like operations.

In announcing approval for the first stage of the Amphibious Ships Project in August 2005, the then Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, detailed the ability for each of the LHDs to transport up to 1000 personnel, have six helicopter landing spots and provision for a mix of troop lift and armed reconnaissance helicopters.

According to Senator Hill, each LHD will be able to transport up to 150 vehicles including the new M1A1 Abrahams tanks and armoured vehicles.  Each ship will also be equipped with medical facilities, including two operating theatres and a hospital ward.

Saab Systems advocates that, in order to protect personnel and infrastructure on the new LHDs, the vessels need a reliable and capable CMS – so why not take the battle-proven, affordable yet state-of-the-art CMS from the ANZACs across to the LHDs.

Ever-present threats from asymmetric and terrorist forces means that the CMS on the LHDs will be key to self protection of this high value unit.

Unlike the United States, where amphibious ships are deployed as part of a battle group, Australia’s LHDs will often travel solo or in concert with one other ship. 

“We believe the CMS used on the ANZACS, which has been developed here in Australia, tailored specifically for Australian conditions, is tailor-made for the LHDs”, says Davis.

“Intimate knowledge of the Saab CMS system, gained over the years it has evolved during the ANZAC project, means that RAN operators can move seamlessly onto the LHDs with little retraining required,” says Davis.

According to Saab, upgrades to the system are relatively inexpensive, easy and immediate – and importantly, the intellectual effort and ownership remains in Australia.

Saab Systems believes there is a misconception that just because the CMS on the ANZACs has been in use for some time that it is not highly advanced.

Using the expertise of Saab Systems in naval combat systems and integration, the ANZAC Alliance introduced a new generation of the combat management system with the delivery of HMAS PERTH in June this year.  This is being further refined and enhanced through the Anti-Ship Missile Defence project currently underway for the ANZAC class.
 
Davis argues Saab’s ability to work with end users to refine the product, constantly evolving and improving the system, means their CMS is not just state of the art technology, but a cut above – not just capable, but leading the way in its operator-friendly design.

Saab’s view is that there are a range of features that give the Saab CMS a competitive edge – the first being its new multi-function console.

“You should note that operators can be at the consoles for hours at a time, and in active operations could be sitting there for watches of up to six hours.  If the console configuration isn’t right, human factors such as headaches, fatigue and eye strain means operators’ efficiency will decline.  That’s when mistakes can happen,” says Davis.

To develop the new multi-function console Saab conducted an intensive ergonomic study, working with ANZAC operators and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation to ensure functionality, comfort and ease of operation were all achieved.

“It has been extremely rewarding that feedback from operators has been so overwhelmingly positive,” says Davis.

Saab believes the exceptional human machine interface (HMI) of the Saab CMS has been achieved because of their commitment to working with operators and technicians on site and Saab’s ability to make minor changes, which often significantly improve the system, immediately.

“If the navy wants a system function to work in a different way, we can adjust it straight away – we don’t have to seek approval from an overseas parent company.  We’re an integral part of the tests and trial process and are continually refining and improving the system,” says Davis 

According to Davis, sensor data fusion is another aspect that gives Saab’s CMS the leading edge.

“The ability of the CMS to determine the tactical picture by intelligently combining information from many different sensors with minimal assistance from the operators, gives the CMS fast reaction times, accurate target data, accurate determination of friends, enemies and neutrals and a much lower operator workload,” says Davis.

In 2005, Saab Systems outstanding performance as part of the ANZAC Alliance was recognised when the Alliance was awarded the DMO ‘Essington Lewis’ prize for Defence Project Team of the Year.

Saab Systems also won the 2005 Major Project category award from Australian Defence Magazine for its work on integrating the Harpoon missile system capability into the ANZAC class and, in particular, the outstanding levels of satisfaction felt by all stakeholders.

During the 7th annual contract review of the In-Service Support contract for the ANZAC class, Saab once again exceeded all key performance indicator targets.

Davis sees this recognition as demonstration of Saab Systems’ continued commitment, expertise, reliability and customer focus. 

“Recruitment and retention of highly skilled staff has been a key factor in our continued successful delivery of contracts,” says Davis.

Davis says the level of technical and systems engineering support to the DMO and the Fleet have been strongly appreciated over the entire history of Saab’s involvement with the RAN.

“It would be a shame to jeopardise this  long-running and effective working relationship by going with a less tried industry partner,” says Davis.

Saab Systems is in the final stages of negotiations on the Integrated Material Support contract for the ANZACs. This is a 15 year commitment to support and enhancement of the entire combat system and importantly retains continuity of technical expertise in this vital combat capability.  Davis feels this contract will give added leverage to their push to see Saab’s CMS on the new amphibious ships because maintaining two additional 9LV systems will be a lot less expensive than establishing a support capability for two orphan systems for the LHD.

15 August 2006