Lockheed Martin to Open Submarine Combat System Laboratory For Australia Project

Lockheed Martin Australia will open a submarine combat system laboratory in November to support the Royal Australian Navy's Future Submarine project SEA 1000 Phase 1.

Construction began at Mawson Lakes on July 27, 2015 and it is expected to open in November. An expanded Phase 2 with a secure area is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2016.

The laboratory includes a reconfigurable submarine command centre to test and validate the Royal Australian Navy's concept of operations in a simulated operational environment. The laboratory will feature advanced computer processing with reconfigurable hardware, and collaboration space dedicated to bringing known and proven technologies to the next generation of Australian submarines.

Establishing a submarine combat system laboratory in parallel with early stages of submarine design leverages a key lesson learned from the success of the US Navy's Virginia class submarine program.

"The laboratory is all about risk reduction. It gives us the flexibility to work with the SEA 1000 hull designers and combat subsystem providers in every step of the process," said Raydon Gates.

"It's a proven methodology that also reduces development costs and ensures continued interoperability with an affordable, disciplined plan for sustainment." He added.

Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Saab Australia and Thales Australia & New Zealand in the submarine combat system architecture laboratory initiative.

Thales has built Submarine and Anti Submarine Sonar capability tailored for Australian requirement over several decades. This includes in country design, manufacture, integration and sustainment, Adam Waldie, Underwater Systems Business Development Manager, Thales Australia said ".

“Thales also remains focused on supporting Australia's submarine combat system integrators and providers alike with our skills and expertise through initiatives such as the laboratory." Waldie added.