Expands Company’s Footprint in Australian Fleet
Rohde & Schwarz has delivered the second external communications system for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) auxiliary oiler and replenishment (AOR) vessels, the company announced during EURONAVAL Online on 20 October.
Navantia selected Rohde & Schwarz to provide both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications capabilities for HMAS SUPPLY and STALWART. The systems consist of R&S M3SR software-defined radios (Series4100 HF and Series4400 V/UHF). All HF transceivers and receivers are HF wideband ready for future data communications. System racks were delivered to Navantia’s shipyard in Ferrol, Spain, for integration and testing onboard the ships.
“Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) is increasing its presence in the RAN fleet with this contract […] We are providing integrated communications systems for six CAPE-class patrol boats to add to the extant external communications for HOBART-class destroyers and communications systems onboard HMAS CHOULES, with capability sustainment available from our Australian engineering facility,” commented Gareth Evans, Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz (Australia).
HMAS SUPPLY underwent sea trials in August, and is set to enter service with RAN early next year. HMAS STALWART, currently fitting out, is planned to enter service in 2022.