Kelvin Hughes develops landing solution for Australian Navy helicopter docks
Kelvin Hughes has developed an innovative helicopter landing solution on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy.
The dedicated short range helicopter control radar (SRHCR) has recently passed factory acceptance testing and will now be integrated into the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks being built by BAE Systems Australia and Navantia.
It’s expected that the ships will enter service during 2014 and 2015 and will be the largest warships ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy.
IMO regulations which prevent the use of navigation radars for helicopter control led to the requirement for a customised SRHCR.
Kelvin Hughes’ experience in naval navigation radar combined with its SharpEyeTM solid state sensor technology provided the perfect solution for developing a cost-effective dedicated sensor for the landing of helicopters.
The marine navigation and surveillance specialist delivered the first system from project concept in less than 18 months, and the radar system has now passed the trials testing phase following the technical design review in December 2010.
The Kelvin Hughes Surveillance solution provides up-mast S-Band SharpEyeTM solid state radar transceiver, 3.9m low profile antenna, state-of-the-art tracking software produced in conjunction with QintetiQ, providing helicopter track data to the command system with no operator intervention.
The ATC room houses a Kelvin Hughes MantaDigitalTM processor and display console with a slave display connected via fibre optic cables in the operations room. The system can also be used as a stand-alone manned station, providing a back-up solution based-on mission requirements.
Gary Potts, LHD Combat & Communications Manager, for BAE Systems Australia said: “I have been most impressed with Kelvin Hughes’ dedication and responsiveness.”
Barry Wade, Managing Director Kelvin Hughes Surveillance business said: “We are delighted that BAE Systems selected SharpEye for this application, within its class the performance and flexibility of SharpEye is second to none as illustrated on this prestigious programme.”
Source: Kelvin Hughes
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
