Kelvin Hughes has been awarded a contract by the British Royal Navy to provide integrated bridge systems (IBS) and helicopter control radars in support of four fleet tankers being built for the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).
Under the contract, Kelvin Hughes will deliver three distinct sub systems for navigation, command and control, as well as for helicopter control radar, which will be integrated within IBS architecture for the four RFA tankers.
Based on SharpEye radar sensor and Naval MantaDigitalTM (NMD) display, the Kelvin Hughes IBS will provide low integration risk, with enhanced operational capabilities and reduced whole-life cost.
Each shipset will comprise three SharpEye radars, a suite of navigation sensors and other third party equipment.
Kelvin Hughes will also provide sub systems and supporting services at key milestones under the terms of the contract along with detailed engineering.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) had previously placed orders worth £452m with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), to construct four new RFA tankers to the navy.
The ships will provide refuelling capabilities for Royal Navy warships at sea and are the first phase of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) military afloat reach and sustainability (MARS) programme.
Capable of carrying fuel, stores and providing logistic support for maritime and expeditionary forces, the 200m-long RAF tankers will be used to support amphibious, land and air forces close to the shore while replacing the existing single hulled tankers.
The tanker platform can also refuel an aircraft carrier and destroyer simultaneously while undertaking helicopter resupply of other vessels.
Equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Navy from 2014.
