Atlas Elektronik and Thales Deutschland have been jointly commissioned to modernize the combat system of the German Class F124 frigates. The CEOs of both enterprises recently signed the contract at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz.
With completion scheduled for 2017, the “HW Regeneration CDS F124” consortium formed by the two companies will refurbish the hardware of the Combat Direction System (CDS) and also adapt and update the software. The regeneration process is driven by the sweeping implementation of commercial hardware and software because technological development in this field is progressing at a rapid pace. Here it will be possible build up on the know-how and experience gained during the F124 construction and service phase, in which both companies were involved. The order comprises the three frigates “Sachsen”, “Hamburg” and “Hessen” as well as the Test and Training Center (EZ/AZ) in Wilhelmshaven and the Reference Maintainer and Training Site (RMTS) in Den Helder. The work is to be organized and managed in such a way that the vessels will not be taken out of service.
The activities include replacement of the outdated console processors, the data recording modules and various network modules. Supportability of CDS components not regenerated yet critical for the system’s real time response will be ensured. An intentional side effect is that, following the hardware regeneration, the computer systems will offer sufficient capacity for the integration of new subsystems and future CDS functionalities.
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