Facility Expanded to Address Unforeseen Problems

The first of four IFF antenna/pedestal assemblies for CANBERRA-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessels has undergone deep level maintenance and overhaul at HENSOLDT Australia’s new facilities in Canberra.

The new facility already supports Australia’s IFF interrogators, but was expanded to enable local test, overhaul and repair of this additional heavy equipment. The antenna is over 2.4m high and 2.6m wide, weighs in at around 350kg and has required the implementation and installation of specialist lifting equipment, power and mechanical interfaces. Now, however, HENSOLDT Australia can repair, overhaul and commission this crucial Navy capability and bring it back into service faster and more cost effectively.

“When HENSOLDT Australia was contracted to update the interrogator on the HMAS CANBRRA, routine testing identified problems with the pedestals and antennas […] Investigations uncovered that the equipment was failing and impacting operational performance […] After assessing with the Navy the overseas repair options and timeframe, and as experts in sensor solutions, we agreed to expand our Australian capability to support the complete antenna system on board the LHD, backed by a local supply chain and expertise,” explains Jon Wachman, Managing Director.

After conducting a detailed assessment of the antenna and pedestal, the systems were then dismantled, the corrosion issue addressed, a new heavy duty paint finish applied and then reassembly and extensive electrical, mechanical and rotational testing conducted. The antenna and pedestal is now re-installed on HMAS CANBERRA, and HENSOLDT has completed on-board integration and testing, restoring the IFF system to full capability.