Pacific 2010: Lockheed Martin and Acacia Research team for Sea 1000 | ADM Dec 09/Jan 10
Gregor Ferguson | Sydney
Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a non-exclusive teaming agreement with Adelaide-based SME Acacia Research to support its bid for the combat system integrator role on the RAN's Future Submarine project, Sea 1000.
Lockheed Martin Australia is providing a technology demonstration architecture and intends to incorporate previous investment in new capabilities by a number of Australian SMEs.
Acacia Research has been a participant in the Advanced Processor Build process on the Collins Replacement Combat System (RCS) since 2003 and will integrate some of the capabilities it has developed into this notional system.
"Teaming with Acacia Research brings together world-class expertise in submarine combat system open architectures, underwater acoustics processing, tactical data management systems and systems engineering," Lockheed Martin Australia's CEO Paul Johnson said.
Acacia Research is bringing its Tactical Data Management System (TDMS) and a number of Tactical Support tools to the partnership, managing director Ted Huber told ADM.
TDMS is an automated Target Motion Analysis (TMA) and Track Management tool designed to compile and maintain the Tactical Picture with minimal operator intervention by fusing data at the sensor as well as the contact levels to generate target tracks.
The TDMS was successfully deployed on HMA Submarines Dechaineux and Sheean under the Combat System Augmentation (CSA) program.
It is designed to handle in excess of 400 tracker inputs: this is a vital capability for the RAN, especially operating in the crowded waters to Australia's north, Huber says.
The TDMS takes all sensor data and compiles a tactical picture automatically, or with operator assistance, or allows a fully manual compilation.
As it stands
The Collins class boats are equipped with the AN/BYG-1 combat system, based on the Raytheon Command and Control System Mk 2 (CCS2); this was acquired under a joint US-Australia Statement of Principles signed in 2001 which provides the RAN with unprecedented access to the US Navy's (USN) submarine community and technology base.
This has resulted in a close, ongoing relationship with the USN Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC), which largely drives the CCS2 and BYG-1 spiral development program, the so-called Advanced Processor Build.
Many observers expect the RAN will maintain its commitment to collaborative development of the BYG-1 in partnership with the USN and transition this system to the Future Submarine.
But both navies will need to work out exactly how to achieve this; and the DMO would probably welcome competition from contenders to be the lead systems integrator for the Future Submarine combat system.
Lockheed Martin provides end-to-end systems engineering, development test, integration and life cycle support for all in-service USN submarine combat systems, including the BYG-1, under its Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical Systems (SWFTS) contract; this includes the other sub-systems that comprise the Non-Propulsion Electronics Suite.
On the Virginia class boats, for example, Lockheed Martin integrates 23 subsystems under the SWFTS contract to deliver the Combat System to the USN.
The company would seek to do the same for the RAN, believing that its open architecture approach promotes collaboration to meet the RAN's emerging requirements.
Lockheed Martin believes its credentials are strengthened from Australia's point of view by its contracts to provide the Submarine Integrated Combat System (SUBICS) for the Spanish Navy's diesel electric S80 submarines and to upgrade the combat systems of the Brazilian Navy's five Tupi and Tikuna class Type 209 submarines.
The space, weight, power and cooling constraints of diesel-electric submarines are a key factor in combat system design and the company brings its experience of this environment along with its open architecture approach through the SWFTS program and its lead contractor status on the US Navy's Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion (ARCI) program.
OA benefits
Lockheed Martin's open architecture submarine combat system technology provides a portal to the BYG-1 for significantly enhanced functionality for both the RAN and USN if adopted for the Future Submarine program.
However, this remains speculative at present - it is up to the USN and the RAN, under the terms of the Statement of Principles, to decide what functionality and which new components will be incorporated into the BYG-1 with each successive development ‘spiral'.
The acquisition strategy and combat system requirements for Sea 1000 are still being developed and Lockheed Martin won't make premature comments on the exact role it might play in this program.
But if the Commonwealth decides to appoint a Combat Systems Integrator, this is a role for which the company says it is fully qualified.
At present, with the requirements for the Future Submarine still being developed, it is impossible to say which of the sonar, EW, communications and other subsystems expected to be available on the market will actually be most appropriate to the project's needs.
And while Lockheed Martin has started working with Acacia Research to understand the capabilities the latter has developed, ADM was told no decisions have been made on the content or roles of Acacia or other SMEs in a future bid; however, Huber told ADM both companies have approached the association with enthusiasm and in a genuinely collaborative manner.
It is a truism that the submariner's most pressing need is for a timely, accurate and comprehensive tactical picture.
With Project Sea 1000 just getting under way, it's too early for any player to claim an advantage.
The RAN is therefore likely to be faced with an interesting judgement call.
If, as expected, it will maintain its close, even intimate, relationship with the USN, the two services will need to agree a road map for acquisition and fielding of the combat system functionality required by the new submarines, and a contractual mechanism that meets the DMO's requirements for competition.