Project

Explanation

Description

The $459 million Sea 1439 Phase 4A Replacement Combat System (RCS) project was established to provide each of the RAN Collins Class submarines with the US Navy Tactical Command and Control System, minor improvements to the combat system augmentation sonar, and shore facilities for integration, testing and training. Shore based systems are located at the Submarine Training and Support Centre at HMAS STIRLING (WA) and a reference laboratory in the US at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. The project required the development of system commonality between the RAN and US Navy.

Background

Risks associated with rapid technology change have been treated by adopting a project management strategy that aligns with the US continuous update program and its two-year update cycle.

The standard DMO acquisition approach was adapted to enable the project office to establish itself as prime contractor with a series of Integrated Project Teams working at various levels within DMO and industry. This role has required close collaborative relationships to be formed between the DMO, the US Navy and industry partners in Australia and the US.

By adopting an innovative approach, the project developed a successful acquisition strategy for managing the difficult situation of merging rapidly changing and sensitive US technology with the existing Australian platform sensors, and other submarine infrastructure. This also includes complex constraints associated with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the export control of US military equipment.

In July 2001 the Minister for Defence terminated the original tender process for the Collins Class Replacement Combat System and made the following announcement:

"The Government has decided that a comprehensive arrangement with the US Navy on submarine issues is in Australia's best strategic interests and has therefore decided that the selection of the combat system for the Collins Class submarines cannot proceed at this time."

In September 2002 the Government approved the Project based on the procurement of the following off-the-shelf sub-systems:

■  the US Tactical Command and Control sub-system, consisting of the Combat Control System and the Virginia Class Weapons Integration Panel, to be acquired by FMS;

■  minor improvements to the sonar processing solution currently installed in HMA Ships Sheean and Dechaineux as part of the Combat System Augmentation initiative; and

■  other system support infrastructure and project support.

The US Navy Tactical Command and Control System is being supplied under an Armaments Cooperative Project which provides for system upgrades developed on a biannual basis. The project will provide one system baseline for the first two submarines and a later baseline for the remaining four submarines. These initial baselines will be upgraded at some later date as a sustainment activity.

Australian systems are being provided under a combination of contracts. The main Australian contractors include ASC, Raytheon Australia, Thales Australia and Sonartech Atlas Pty Ltd. Installation is being undertaken in conjunction with Sea 1429 Phase 2 Heavyweight Torpedo and at locations in South Australia and Western Australia. Installation in all submarines is coordinated with the submarine docking program and is currently scheduled to complete in 2014.

The combat system capability enhancement required a significant change to submarine infrastructure that could only be achieved during a major docking. Furthermore, to ensure the required submarine availability was not impacted adversely and to work within the existing workforce at ASC, it was necessary to couple the installation program to the existing submarine docking program. Although there are significant benefits in coupling the RCS installation schedule to the submarine docking program, that coupling has dictated the delivery schedule of the RCS capability.

Uniqueness

The Commonwealth has undertaken the functions of a prime systems integrator. This role placed additional pressure on the Commonwealth project team to manage and coordinate a number of separate contracts and ultimately the integration, installation and testing of the delivered products.

Participation in a Joint Development Program with the US Navy to design, develop, and test the Advanced Processing Build and Technical Insert processes for Tactical Command and Control System, Tactical Subsystem upgrades and implementing that evolving system baseline into RCS, presented a difficult and unique system of coordination, integration, test and evaluation and installation processes.

Major Challenges

Possible changes to the submarine docking program challenge the completion of the RCS installation schedule. This is being managed by engaging with the RAN to maximise compatibility between the submarine docking cycle and installation schedules.

Current Status

Cost Performance

The project is working within project approval; no real cost increases have been required.

Schedule Performance

HMAS Farncomb installation was completed in July 2008 and it is anticipated that sea trials will be completed by July 2009. The Initial Operational Release milestone for HMAS Farncomb is scheduled to occur by July 2009. Installations are proceeding in HMA Ships Dechaineux and Sheean with installation completion in November 2009 and May 2012 respectively. The project schedule is dependent on the Full Cycle Docking schedule, consequently these dates may vary. To date the RCS schedule has been impacted by emergent work in the submarine docking schedule and the final installation is now scheduled to be completed in 2014. The cause of the schedule delay is the availability of submarines.

Capability Performance

The RCS, as installed in HMAS Waller, was approved for Initial Operational Release by Chief of Navy in May 08. HMAS Waller has since been deployed and has successfully completed RIMPAC 2008.

Initial Operational Release marks the point at which the RAN is satisfied that the capability is fit for purpose and when management passes from DMO to the RAN. Following Initial Operational Release the capability enters a period of Navy Operational Test and Evaluation to determine the performance boundaries and if the capability is suitable for Operational Release.

The capability delivered in HMAS Waller is consistent with that identified in the project Materiel Acquisition Agreement; however, some sonar trials have yet to be completed. HMAS Farncomb achieving its Initial Operational Release will deliver a second boat with a capability similar to HMAS Waller.