• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

BAE SYSTEMS installs Royal NAVY HF Broadcast System

07 Aug 2001

BAE Systems has achieved a significant milestone in the UK Ministry of Defence SR (S) 7392 High Frequency (HF) Broadcast multi-channelling equipment programme with the completion of first of class installations for the Royal Navy.

Awarded to BAE Systems in May 1998, the programme enables the Royal Navy to increase broadcast traffic capacity using a combination of new equipment and existing HF assets. Improved capability is achieved through new digital hardware and software, including modems, time division multiplexers and intelligent message terminal (IMT) equipment. IMT provides enhanced message handling and message management afloat for the broadcast system.

BAE Systems has overseen system design, and installed and set to work first of class equipment on Royal Navy vessels and in UK shore sites. Ultimately, all seagoing platforms - ranging from major warships through to Royal Fleet Auxiliaries and mine counter measure vessels - will be equipped under the project. Also included are shore-based elements, including broadcast control stations, system control points, and transmitter stations throughout the UK and overseas.

BAE Systems' team leader Alan Cunnington said: "Partnership is a key element in the continued success of the programme. This is reflected in the full involvement and dedication of personnel within the Defence Procurement Agency's Strategic Terrestrial Radio Systems (STRS) Integrated Project Team (IPT) and their BAE Systems counterparts, together with the commitment shown by all stakeholders, ranging from end-users to trial teams and support personnel. This relationship has ensured that jointly agreed targets have been achieved to date and provides a sound basis for the success of the remaining programme activities."

The schedule for completion of the full installation programme has now been reviewed and the target date reduced by some four years from the original 2008. The accelerated fitting programme being rolled out by STRS and the Defence Procurement Agency Platform IPTs, should see the completion date of the full installation programme before the end of 2004. This is achievable by introducing additional flexibility into the installation programme, allowing ships to be fitted during assisted maintenance periods.

BAE Systems is assisting in this accelerated fitting programme, as well as seeking greater involvement in other key HF communications programmes. These include the recent contract award of an assessment phase study for SR (S) 7397, which will develop a solution to further enhance the ship to shore element of HF systems afloat. The company is also involved in the bidding process for SR (D) 2024, which will provide a tri-service world-wide defence HF communications service.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defence and aerospace company.

BAE Systems employs some 100,000 people and has annual sales of around 12 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.

BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products.