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BAE Systems has been awarded a $36 million contract from Lockheed Martin to produce and manufacture Multifunction Modular Mast systems.
Set to be delivered to the US Navy for submarine integration, the Multifunction Modular Mast system uses radio frequency antennas to detect and identify communications from adversary signals.
The tactical communications receiving antenna is housed within a composite radome that supports operation in undersea environments while maintaining signal reception performance and reducing visibility.
“In dynamic and contested environments, stealth is key, and submarines rely on accurate communications signal information to make decisions quickly,” said Michael Rottman, program area director for maritime sensors and systems at BAE Systems.
The system plays an important role in electromagnetic spectrum operations and situational awareness by providing operators with an additional means of detecting adversaries, on top of existing radar and sonar capabilities.
“The Multifunction Modular Mast system equips US Navy submarines with critical capabilities to locate and identify potential threats, enabling them to analyse and respond accordingly,” Rottman said.
The system also includes a module that allows the US Navy to integrate additional sensors for a range of mission applications.
The antennas will be mounted onto the new Virginia Class submarines, of which Australia is set to receive as part of the trilateral AUKUS deal.
