Publication:The Trade December 2003/BAE Systems establishes Periscope support in the west

As Defence Minister Robert Hill recently stated on ABC radio, the complexity and level of integration of the Collins submarine combat system is more akin to modern day front line aircraft than a ship. The primary sensors for the Collins combat system are provided by the Search and Attack periscope systems. The sensor systems fitted to these periscopes include optical and electro-magnetic sensors for all weather, round the clock surveillance, situation awareness and target acquisition. These provide the Collins with its stealth characteristics and are critical to its mission effectiveness.

Such complex systems require a multi-level support structure to ensure the effectiveness of the sensors over time and that the crews are extracting the maximum available utility and performance capabilities from the advance systems. The Collins periscopes were originally built under license from Thales Optronics, formerly Barr and Stroud of Glasgow, Scotland, by BAE SYSTEMS Australia in Adelaide. Under the Periscope Systems Integrated Materiel Support Contract, BAE SYSTEMS is establishing a capability to provide depot level support for the Attack and Search Periscopes and provide a periscope installation and removal team at HMAS Stirling. BAE SYSTEMS technical staff are currently undergoing training in a diverse range of skills at the BAE SYSTEMS facility in Adelaide in readiness to transfer to HMAS Stirling when the purpose built periscope support facility comes on line in 2004.

The periscopes form part of the hull integrity of the Collins submarine and, other than some controls and power Line Replaceable Units at the bridge end of the periscopes, must be removed from the boat for servicing. Off boat servicing will be able to occur in the clean room environment at Stirling, without the specialist packaging and transport to Adelaide that is currently required. The facility design incorporates provision for storage of complete spare systems with a periscope test tower for system test and verification. Benefits to the Submarine Force Element Group will be:

• improved remove-repair-test-install turn around times;
• reduced handling, and transportation risks for high value assets;
• local off boat periscope system test capability;
• tighter communications between the contractor and end user; and
• reduced travel costs for periscope installation and removal.

The Adelaide periscope facility and the associated engineering skills and experience will be maintained and utilised for periscope test and evaluation, trials and new developments as well as revalidation of the Hull Integrity Certification that will be conducted as part of the Full Cycle Docking period. These skills will also be integral to support the Stirling periscope support facility in providing engineering, data management and configuration engineering services. The Adelaide facility will also continue as a depot level repair facility for the periscope's Line Replaceable Units. This in turn is backed up by BAE SYSTEMS Australia's multi-disciplinary engineering and system integration skills complemented by optical, electronic and precision mechanical capabilities to deliver complete life cycle support. Strong linkages are also maintained with the Original Equipment Manufacturer for design approval services and specialist component repairs.

During the service life of the periscope systems, the Stirling facility will be at the fore in delivering modifications, enhancements and upgrades to periscope performance and capabilities. This ensures the future of the Stirling periscope facility for the Life of Type of the Collins class.

As well as maintaining the periscope systems at peak performance, the Stirling facility will train operators in proficiency in using the systems and in extracting the maximum available system performance. With extended duration mission demands, it is also essential that crews are proficient and disciplined in on board maintenance.

The Stirling facility will operate under the umbrella of BAE SYSTEMS Australia' ISO-9002 Quality Management System.

The Submarine FEG is eagerly anticipating significant improvements to periscope systems availability and mission effectiveness with the commissioning of the Stirling Periscope Support facility.