27 January 2010
Thales's innovative I-Mast 100 will be on display at this week's Pacific 2010
international maritime exposition in Sydney, demonstrating the company's leading
international position in naval sensor systems.
The I-Mast 100 is a central mast structure that houses all of a ship's radar
and optronic sensors, Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF), electronic warfare
antennas, communication antennas including SATCOMs, and all associated cabinets
and peripherals. More specifically, it is a reference design that can be adapted
to meet specific requirements - in terms of shape and antenna configuration -
from navies and shipyards.
The advantages of this sensor concept are numerous: improved operational
performance, higher operational availability, reduced shipbuilding time, reduced
maintenance requirements and substantial savings in below-deck space.
Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia's Managing Director, said the I-Mast concept
was an innovative example of Thales's extensive technological expertise. "The
I-Mast is a genuine solution that delivers advanced and integrated capabilities
to customers while lowering operating costs. It shows what can be achieved by
working closely with customers, understanding their needs and anticipating their
evolving requirements."
I-Mast 100 is the second member of Thales's I-Mast family. The larger I-Mast
400 is currently being built at Thales's Hengelo facility in the Netherlands,
with the first system due for installation on the Royal Dutch Navy's Holland
class Patrol Vessels at the end of 2010.
Scalable and designed for flexibility, the I-Mast 100 offers unrivalled
operational performance, continuous operation, and an unobstructed 360-degree
view for all sensors. The problem of electromagnetic interference has been
solved by studying all of a ship's topside elements instead of looking at
separate systems. Survivability is increased as the IMast offers high levels of
redundancy and incorporates solid-state technology.
The I-Mast 100 houses a sensor architecture that uses open interface
standards and common building blocks. This unique comprehensive solution reduces
the need for dedicated sensor maintainers, requires less training, and offers
simple status monitoring by a web-based built-in test system that provides
information on all systems integrated in the IMast. Maintenance can be performed
from the interior, even under adverse weather conditions, reducing overall
operational costs even further.
While the shipyard concentrates on its core business of shipbuilding, Thales
simultaneously integrates and tests all of the sensors in the I-Mast structure,
and tests its full performance before it is delivered to the shipyard as a
turnkey system for installation on the ship. This procedure eliminates
complicated and lengthy installation activities, and also means sea trials to
demonstrate sensor and antenna operations can be substantially reduced.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence,
Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company generated revenues of
12.7 billion euros (equivalent of AUD 22.1 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50
countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique
capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that
meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional
international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers
as local partners.
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is
also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to
security systems and services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites
across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion
in 2008.
Press contact
Libby Noble
Thales Australia
+61 (0)2 9562 3150
+61 (0)434 155
881
libby.noble@thalesgroup.com.au