HENSOLDT UK Delivers Fully Integrated Naval Bridge System for Logistic Support Vessel in New Zealand
The sensor solution provider HENSOLDT UK completed delivery of a fully type-approved Kelvin Hughes Integrated Naval Bridge System (INBS) for the logistic vessel HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11) built for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Launched in April 2019 by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) at the South Korean constructor’s Ulsan yard, HMNZS Aotearoa will be the replacement for the tanker HMNZS Endeavour (A 11), which was decommissioned on 15 December 2017. Classed as an auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR), the 173.2m long vessel has been built to meet the latest relevant Lloyds Register of Shipping and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards. HMNZS Aotearoa incorporates Rolls-Royce’s Enviroship concept that includes a wave-piercing bow design that reduces hydrodynamic resistance and, consequently, fuel consumption, along with a hull strengthened to Polar Class level 6 for operations in ice plus winterization features such as upper deck heating to support RNZN operations around Antarctica.
Her INBS system, which is certified to Lloyd’s Register’s stringent INS code, includes a dual redundant data distribution system and fully integrated Kelvin Hughes multifunction displays. The radar system takes advantage of the solid-state SharpEyeTM Doppler radars that bring full situational awareness to the bridge even in the most severe weather conditions. The networked display system allows for operation as full multifunction workstations for improved ergonomic operation and redundancy, meaning that the radar, the Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System (WECDIS), the Bridge Alert Management System (BAMS) and other networked functions can be operated from any of the designated multifunction displays.
The SharpEye transceivers are located up mast in the carbon composite turning unit housing, bringing additional benefits such as ease of installation and high reliability. The use of a direct drive motor system rather than the traditional antenna rotator gearbox also reduces maintenance.
Tony Taylor, HENSOLD UK’s Head of Naval and Surveillance, noted: “HMNZS Aotearoa has one of the most complex bridge systems delivered by HENSOLDT UK to date. We are pleased to see the HMNZS Aotearoa arriving in New Zealand and look forward to working with the crews for years to come.”
HENSOLDT UK, which is active in the development, manufacture and supply of maritime navigation, surveillance and security radar systems, sets international standards in solid-state radar sensor technology with Kelvin Hughes’ SharpEye radar and its innovative tactical and situational awareness radar display software. SharpEye is sold into a diverse range of markets and applications from maritime navigation, port vessel traffic services and coastal surveillance to ground surveillance and maritime security applications.
In an earlier statement, Russell Gould, Managing Director of HENSOLDT UK, formerly Kelvin Hughes, underlined that, “SharpEye provides the user with the most capable radar in its class that allows exceptional performance against small targets in clutter with minimal user adjustment.”
SharpEye is described by HENSOLDT as a coherent, pulse Doppler radar for navigation and situational awareness. It translates sophisticated radar technology such as gallium nitride (GaN) power transistor technology into superior detection performance of small targets in heavy clutter, thus improving mission success and survivability of military and coast guard vessels. SharpEye is a very sensitive radar, so the smallest increase in mean energy brings a large increase in detection performance. The use of GaN transistors has improved even further the detection performance of the radar.
Stefan Nitschke
