Rohde & Schwarz wins Hanwha Defence EMC test contract

This is where HDA is building the LAND 8116 Phase 1 Huntsman vehicles and LAND 400 Phase 3 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

“Our test solutions within the Hanwha E3* capability provide crucial electromagnetic interference/compatibility assurance, mitigating the impact of a contested and congested electromagnetic environment on the operational capability of military equipment, systems, and platforms and ensuring they are fully prepared for battlespace operations,” said Managing Director Rohde & Schwarz Australia Gareth Evans.

“Rohde & Schwarz understands the complexity of modern combat platforms, where multiple integrated systems must work seamlessly to protect the platform. Even the slightest undetected interference between these onboard systems could profoundly impact a platform's combat effectiveness,” Evans added.

Custom built with a bespoke turntable for heavy vehicles, the E3 capability will be the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, providing the means for H-ACE-built vehicles to be tested to internationally recognised standards.

Rohde & Schwarz Australia will be responsible for all elements of supply, including the in-country coordination and delivery of the E3 capability, and will also train a highly skilled technical workforce to operate the facility.

At the H-ACE located near Geelong in Victoria, HDA will build 129 Redback IFVs under LAND 400 Phase 3 while 30 AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and 15 AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles will be built for LAND 8116 Phase 1.

“The EMI/EMC chamber at the H-ACE will support a world leading capability at our facility,” said Acting Managing Director of HDA Dean Michie. “We are looking forward to making use of the facility ourselves alongside offering the space to Defence and Defence Industry customers as a service. The ability of the H-ACE to form the centre of an Australian Industry Capability Hub has been an important consideration in our development and future.”

*The components of E3 include Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), Electromagnetic interference (EMI), Electromagnetic pulse (EMP), Electromagnetic vulnerability (EMV), Lightning, Radiation hazards (RADHAZ), Precipitation static (P-Static) and Electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Signed and sealed: Hichang Lee (left), HDA’s Director Facilities and Gareth Evans, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia celebrate the contract signing.