HENSOLDT UK - Experts & Thought Leaders

Sensor solutions provider - HENSOLDT UK has been selected by Navantia UK to provide key systems to the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships. The new vessels will incorporate Quadome Naval 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar, Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, and Kelvin Hughes Integrated Navigation Bridge Systems (INBS). The FSS ships will play a crucial role in supporting the replenishment operations of the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. Quadome 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar HENSOLDT will supply its new-generation Quadome 3D Air and Surface Surveillance radar HENSOLDT will supply its new-generation Quadome 3D Air and Surface Surveillance radar, which features the latest software-defined active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, offering a future-proof solution with an extended operational lifetime. It offers an unparalleled level of price versus operational performance achieving levels of small target detection, volume tracking, and mission systems interaction, previously only available with more expensive radar systems. Operational advantages Its operational advantages include simultaneous 3D Air and Surface Surveillance with multiple specialist modes of operation. Quadome is easy to operate and maintain, reducing the operator manning, training, and skills burden. The Quadome radar includes an integrated IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) antenna and will integrate into the HENSOLDT MSSR 2000 IFF interrogator, already deployed for the UK Royal Navy (RN) and RFA. A comprehensive ATM display solution is also included as part of this contract award. Custom INBS  The north London-based company will also supply Kelvin Hughes INBS, including SharpEye naval navigation radars and multifunction displays. The INBS can be customised to meet specific operational and technical needs, including redundancy and security options, with a seamless open interface to other ship systems. Multifunction displays simplify access to navigation tasks, including radar, charts, helicopter control, and Conning Display. Minimising costs and maximising crew flexibility HENSOLDT UK will design, construct, test, and provide lifelong support for the INBS The Kelvin Hughes INBS and SharpEye radars are already operational onboard the RFA Tide Class tankers and other RFA ships. This means that training, spares, and support of the systems can be optimised across the RFA fleet, minimising through-life costs for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and maximising crew flexibility across the fleet for the RFA. HENSOLDT UK will design, construct, test, and provide lifelong support for the INBS from its headquarters in Enfield, UK. European support hub Both contracts will result in the creation of at least 50 highly skilled new UK jobs, as well as securing around 150 existing jobs within the company and its UK supply chain. In addition, as a result of these contracts, HENSOLDT will be investing over £1 million into the Enfield factory and test facilities to create a new European support hub for Quadome radars. Quadome radar support and test facility Peter Dillon, Managing Director of HENSOLDT UK said, “These contracts support our plans for significant new investment in our UK manufacturing and support facility. We are set to establish a new Quadome radar support and test facility at our Enfield factory, utilising UK supply chain support." He adds, "This will provide local maintenance, repair, and support services to Navantia and the UK RFA, while also creating new employment opportunities in the area.” Integrated Bridge Systems provider Peter Dillon continues, “We are proud to be working with Navantia UK to deliver this world-class capability to the RFA, and by extension the RN. This signals HENSOLDT’s entry into the UK’s naval Air Surveillance market and re-affirms our position as an Integrated Bridge Systems provider to the fleet.” Surveillance and navigation systems Sir Alan Massey KCB CBE, Non-Executive Chairman, Navantia UK, said “Navantia UK and Team Resolute are proud to partner with HENSOLDT UK to equip the FSS vessels with top-class surveillance and navigation systems." He adds, "This contract is an important step forward in the progression of the programme, as well as a testament to our commitment to promote highly skilled jobs and prosperity across the UK.”

HENSOLDT UK is pleased to announce the supply of radar sensor suites consisting of Kelvin Hughes Mk11 S and X Band SharpEye radar systems to the South African Navy (SAN) for three Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels, built by the Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT), South Africa. SharpEye Mk11 radars HENSOLDT UK is pleased to supply the South African Navy with further SharpEye radars" These vessels, SAN MMIPVs, will protect the coasts of the Republic of South Africa from threats, such as piracy and illegal fishing. The SharpEye Mk11 range was an ideal choice for these demanding applications. Adrian Pilbeam, Head of Sales, Maritime Surveillance at HENSOLDT UK, stated “HENSOLDT UK is pleased to supply the South African Navy with further SharpEye radars to assist in the demanding operational tasks. This continues the longstanding relationship for the supply of radar sensors to OSI Maritime Systems for integration into their bridge systems.” Installed with OSI integrated navigation bridge system The SharpEye Mk11 radars are approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are installed in conjunction with an OSI integrated navigation bridge system. The radars will provide a navigation and surface surveillance capability. The solid-state SharpEye transceivers are located upmast in the carbon composite turning unit housing and bring additional benefits such as ease of installation and high reliability. The use of a direct drive motor system, rather than a traditional antenna rotator gearbox, reduces maintenance costs.