Attack-class combat systems spin through third R&D cycle

Lockheed Martin Australia announced on 18 November that it has awarded R&D contracts, worth a total of A$525,000 ($383,000), to seven Australian organisations for White Papers on the development of ‘novel and emerging advanced technologies’ in support of the combat system for the future Attack-class submarines. 

This is the third cycle of R&D contracts funded under the Future Submarine Combat System Integrator Program. To date, more than A$2 million has been awarded to 19 organisations.

‘Upon completion of the White Papers, further contracts may be awarded to selected respondents for Ongoing Capability Research,’ Lockheed Martin noted.

R&D topics in the latest awards include: console design; the feasibility of a small form-factor, multi-function, electronically steered arrays for electronic support and communications in submarine environment; instantaneous 360-degree video; methods for ‘improving cyber resilience of container orchestration environments’; integration of SATCOM bearers in a single antenna payload; and innovative ways to manage cables.

In Project Sea 1000, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) aims to replace its existing six Collins-class boats with an expanded capability in the form of 12 Attack-class submarines.

‘It is one of the largest and most ambitious defence procurement projects ever undertaken in Australia and holds a significant amount of risk,’ notes Shephard Defence Insight.

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