L-3 Communication Systems-East (L-3 CS-East) will design the interior and exterior communications subsystems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).
The Camden, New Jersey-based company was selected by Lockheed Martin Canada, a Tier 1 supplier to prime contractor Irving Shipbuilding. The AOPS is one of three new classes of ships being built for the RCN under the federal government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. The Navy is expected to take possession of 6-8 vessels.
“The interior and exterior communications subsystem is critical to the operation of AOPS, allowing seamless communications from the rugged environment of Canada’s far northern waters to the busy coastal regions,” Peter Gartenburg, vice president of L-3 Canada Operations, said in a press release. “This is a wonderful addition to the numerous Canadian programs supported by L-3…We intend to engage more Canadian suppliers to support this important RCN program.”
Dave Micha, president of L-3 Communication Systems-East, said the “highly automated and user-friendly” communications systems “have been operationally successful in navies around the globe.”
The design work will be performed in Camden and in Canada at various Canadian subcontractor sites.
The communications contract was one of two awarded to L-3 by Lockheed Martin. L-3 MAPPS, a Montreal-based division of L-3 Marine & Power Systems, also received a contract to design the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) subsystems for the AOPS.
“Further to our ongoing successful implementation of the Halifax-class frigates IPMS upgrade, we are very pleased to be selected for this new and very important Royal Canadian Navy project,” said Rangesh Kasturi, vice president of marketing & sales for L-3 MAPPS. “Together with the RCN, we pioneered the concept of the IPMS 30 years ago and became a global leader with this Canadian technology. Today, we look forward to designing the next generation of innovative IPMS subsystems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s newest class of ships.”
“The IPMS provides comprehensive monitoring and control of the ship’s propulsion, electrical, ancillary, auxiliary and damage control machinery systems. With advanced functionality, such as the Battle Damage Control System, Onboard Team Training System, Equipment Health Monitoring System and CCTV, as well as integration with the ship’s combat management and navigation systems, the IPMS allows the crew to safely and effectively operate the ship for all mission requirements,” the company said.
L-3 MAPPS added that the technology is “used by 20 navies worldwide and is installed on most of the RCN’s major warships and submarines.”
The first AOPS is scheduled for delivery in 2018.