Hensoldt has been chosen to equip the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s upcoming Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships with surveillance and navigation systems.
The sensor manufacturer will incorporate Quadome Naval 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar; Air Traffic Management systems; and Kelvin Hughes Integrated Navigation Bridge Systems (INBS) into three new FSS vessels slated to arrive by 2032.
The installation will be performed in collaboration with Navantia, one of three shipbuilders chosen to develop the FSS ships.
The new capabilities are scheduled to support the navy’s Queen-Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, taking on replenishment roles to allow the fleet to remain at sea indefinitely.
Hensoldt’s Sensor Technologies
Hensoldt’s Quadome radar is fitted with an integrated identification friend-or-foe antenna, which allows it better threat evaluation and effector assignment.
The Quadome can also switch from surveillance to self-defense mode, with additional functions of helicopter and gunfire support.
All of its features, as well as other systems and air traffic management capabilities on board, will be seamlessly integrated with the INBS.
The user interface will provide easy access to all navigation-critical tasks on the FSS, including radar, chart display, and conning capabilities.
All functions will work under a dual-redundant data distribution system, ensuring that all systems have a fail-over path in the event of component failures.
Green Developments
In January, US energy company GE Vernova was selected to supply hybrid-electric propulsion technologies to reduce the FSS’ carbon footprint during missions.
GE’s SeaPulse Active Front-End power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In hybrid electric induction motor generators will bolster the ships’ fuel efficiency while cutting down on their carbon dioxide emissions.
Delivery of the equipment is scheduled to begin in 2025.
