The Singapore Air Force and Navy has always purchased equipment
and systems to aligned closely with those of the USA.
The following article may give an insight into what could possibly
be installed into the new Frigates for the RSN.
DD(X) Decision Shows The Way For Australian Navy
Enhancements
(Source : Raytheon Australia; issued Aug. 22, 2002)
Raytheon Company, as a partner to Northrop Grumman Corporation, has
been awarded the contract as systems integrator for the US Navys
next-generation surface combatant ship called DD(X).
Yesterdays decision by the US Government Accounting Office to
confirm the US Navys decision to award the DD(X) destroyer
contract to the Gold Team, led by Northrop Grumman and with
Raytheon as the combat systems integrator, opens a window into the
future for Royal Australian Navy combat systems according to
Raytheon Australia Managing Director Mr Ron Fisher.
Mr Fisher described the decision as being "as significant as the
joint strike fighter" for future naval warships and said, "The
combat systems for DD(X) will usher in a revolution in technology
for the next generation of naval ships which will redefine the
architecture of ship computing systems and, together with other
advanced technologies, will allow the operation of warships by
smaller crews. Crew size is the most significant driver for the
cost of a warship over its operational life."
"While recognising that the US DD(X) program is unlikely to be
mirrored here in Australia, the technology developed for the DD(X),
particularly that of the combat system, could allow the Australian
Navy to make a generational leap for its next major surface
combatants."
Raytheon will be responsible for the total systems engineering,
software development, and combat system of the DD(X). In addition,
the company will build and test a dual frequency radar suite, an
integrated solid-state communications system, an integrated
anti-submarine and mine warfare system, a revolutionary vertical
launching system, and a multi-mission total system computing
environment.
Mr Fisher said, "Raytheon Australia aims to be the pre-eminent
systems integrator in the region; leveraging the technology and
R&D base of our parent company to provide leading edge and
innovative solutions for naval and aerospace platforms, and command
and control systems. W e will continue to work with the Australian
Defence Force to ensure that they have access to the most advanced
technology and capable systems worldwide."
In America, Representative Martin T. Meehan a member of the House
Armed Services committee, praised the decision saying, "The DD(X)
will revolutionise US sea power and Raytheon will be a key provider
of leap-ahead technologies."
Raytheon Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon
Company, a global technology leader in defence, government and
commercial electronics, and business and special mission
aircraft.
-ends-
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/data/communiques/archives/2002Aug/data/2002Aug11739/index.htm
