DSEI 2019: Rohde & Schwarz equip Type 26 with integrated communications system

Rohde & Schwarz has announced that it will equip the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates with integrated communications systems (ICS) built around NAVICS under contract from shipbuilder BAE Systems. 

Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its NAVICS solution for internal and external communications at DSEI, which in the last fiscal year has reportedly been contracted to 14 additional platforms. This includes the Danish Navy implementing the new BRASS Enhancement One Target Architecture (BRE1TA) within its fleet.

The external communication systems will consist of HF communications to provide beyond line-of-sight and tactical voice communications; V/UHF communications to provide line of sight communications with military and civilian air sea and shore assets; land forces tactical communications; and the integration of third party external communication such as military and civil SATCOM.

The ICS will consist of the Tactical Voice System and Communications Control Subsystem (TACV/CCS) with TACV providing internal and external voice-over-IP communication and CCS providing control and monitoring of equipment. 

In addition, the Administrative Telephony and Wireless Communication System (ADTEL/WCS) also forms part of the ICS, ADTEL enabling communication between crew on the vessel and WCS providing mobile voice terminals. A broadcast alarms system and self-powered telephones in case of emergencies are also included. 

Overall, the interfaces and integration for the new Type 26 frigates encompasses mobile local communications, pole masts enabling use of different antenna types, shore connection equipment including wireless communication such as cellular, 4G and Wi-FI and wired communications like POTS and ethernet, multimedia reception and distribution to provide live and recorded television and radio, interface and integration of government furnished equipment such as BFBS CAM cards, all alongside system and cryptographic equipment.

STS Defence, which is under contract with Rohde & Schwarz, achieved a major milestone for all three sets of configurable communications masts for the first three Type 26 frigates. In production since 2016, the masts are now built and ready for fitting out before they are installed.