| Project | Explanation | ||
| Description | The $458 million Sea 1439 Phase 4A Replacement Combat System (RCS) project was established to provide each of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Collins Class submarines with the United States (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 Centre. 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 Defence Materiel Organisation (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 (ITAR) 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 Navy Tactical Command and Control System is being supplied under an Armaments Cooperative Project which provides for system upgrades developed on a bi-annual 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 2015 The combat system capability enhancement required a significant change to submarine infrastructure | ||
| 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 introduce hardware and software upgrades for Tactical Command and Control System and implementing that evolving system baseline into RCS. | ||
| Major Challenges | Changes to the submarine docking program challenge the completion of the RCS installation schedule. This is being managed by engaging with the RAN to maximize 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 Project boat installations are consistent with the approved Materiel Acquisition Agreement (MAA) schedule; however, each installation is dependent on the Full Cycle Docking (FCD) program, consequently completion dates vary according to boat availability. The RCS schedule has also been impacted by emergent work during each submarine docking. The final boat installation is scheduled for completion in 2015. | |||
| Capability Performance The RCS baseline (CS04) installed in HMA WALLER and FARNCOMB was approved for Initial Operational Release by Chief of Navy in May 2008 and September 2009 respectively. Chief of Navy subsequently approved Operational Release of that baseline in December 2009. The capability delivered in WALLER and FARNCOMB is consistent with that identified in the project; however, some sonar trials have yet to be completed. Towed Array Sonar Trials are scheduled for commencement in June 2010, as part of HMAS DECHAINEUX CAT 5 trials. | |||
| Installations and Harbour Acceptance Testing for the upgraded combat system baseline (CS05) installed in DECHAINEUX were completed in February 2010. Installation of CS05 baseline in HMAS SHEEAN is progressing consistent with the FOC schedule. The project schedule is dependent on boat Full Cycle Dockings, consequently the completion date may vary. Initial Operational Release of the CS05 baseline as installed in DECHAINEUX is scheduled for December 2010. | |||
| Initial Operational Release (IOR) 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 IOR 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. Operational Release is the milestone which represents the In-Service date at which Chief of Navy is satisfied that the equipment is in all respects ready for operational service. | |||