L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract from BAE Systems Maritime Australia to supply its Integrated Platform Management System for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigates.
According to L3Harris, the IPMS solution will be modeled after the system used in the British Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates, which serve as the basis for the Hunter class. The system will play a crucial role in managing the ships’ propulsion, power generation and auxiliary systems.
IPMS is an open-architecture, real-time digital control system that provides comprehensive platform automation capabilities. It is designed to enhance ship survivability, optimize operational effectiveness and reduce crew requirements, L3Harris said. Additionally, it can be integrated with other systems, including those for onboard training and battle damage control.
Alan Clements, vice president of L3Harris Australia, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering advanced technology that will boost the Royal Australian Navy’s capabilities. “The Hunter is one of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates and key to ensuring Australia has a fleet with the highest level of performance, lethality and deterrence,” he said.
The Hunter-class frigates are being constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard as part of Australia’s Continuous Naval Shipbuilding program.
This latest contract follows L3Harris securing of two contracts to equip new Royal Canadian Navy warships with IPMS under the Canadian Surface Combatant program.