Projects

JP 2043 - High Frequency Modernisation Project

Objectives Schedule Industry Support Financial Dimensions Project Information Contacts Removal of the Naval transmitting towers - FAQs

Project Description

The High Frequency (HF) Modernisation Project (JP 2043) is a part of the Radio Frequency Systems Program Office in the Communication Systems Branch of the Electronic and Weapon Systems Division of DMO. The purpose of the High Frequency (HF) Modernisation Project (JP 2043) is to provide the ADF with a secure, cost-effective information exchange capability for the command and control of deployed forces as a primary survivable system and as a parallel system to satellite communications.

The Modernised High Frequency Communications System (MHFCS) consists of a nation-wide network of distributed HF radio stations (the Fixed Network) with a central network management facility in Canberra . The Project includes upgrading of HF radio systems in selected mobile platforms and transportable HF communication shelters (the Mobiles). The MHFCS has replaced the HF components of the Naval Communications Stations and the RAAF Air Operations Communications System stations (AOCS).

Fixed Network Nodes

The network comprises four geographically dispersed remotely operated pairs of transmitter and receiver stations that are inter-connected by a Defence Wide Area Network and controlled by a Network Management Facility located in Canberra . The stations are located at sites in the Riverina, North West Cape , Darwin and Townsville areas.

Transmit Antenna Field

Industry Objectives

Industry objectives of JP 2043 are to:

• foster the design and development, applied research and engineering capabilities of Australian industry which are considered strategically important to providing the MHFCS;
• develop and enhance the capability of Australian industry to support the MHFCS throughout its service life; and
• maximise local production, integration and management related to the provision of the MHFCS and the future development of the MHFCS.

Project Schedule Details

The contract for the implementation of JP 2043 was awarded to Boeing Australia Limited and the contract was signed on 31 December 1997.

Operational Capability Acceptance (November 2004)

An initial operational capability (Core) was achieved in November 2004. The Project is building progressively on this capability. The Defence Communications Station (DEFCOMMSTA) Australia is expected to relocate from its current location (which will become the backup facility) to the new facility within the Defence Network Operations Centre, HMAS Harman in the later half of 2008. In the same timeframe the first Mobile upgrade will be underway, giving a capability to utilise some of the new functions provided. Upgrades to the selected mobile platforms will continue beyond delivery of the Final system.

The project is being implemented in a number of phases:

Phase 1	Network Definition Study	1994 - 1995 (completed)
Phase 2	Project Definition Study	1995 - 1996 (completed)
Phase 3	Implementation of the HF Fixed	1998 – 2010 (subject to platform availability).
	Network and upgrading of selected
	mobile platforms

Opportunity for Australian Industry in Logistic Support Arrangements

A contract for the first five years of maintenance and support was awarded concurrently with the contract for implementation with options for further extensions provided specified performance requirements are met. Opportunities for small to medium enterprises may arise for support activities.

Financial Dimensions

JP 2043 is costed at $628m.

Project Information

Fixed Network - MHFCS (core)

Transmit Building North West Cape in Western

The MHFCS Core system provides a level of service commensurate with the capabilities of the single Service HF networks it replaces. It comprises a range of facilities, hardware and software that incorporate modern technology to deliver voice and organisational messaging capabilities over HF, as a key component of the ADF’s strategic and tactical communications infrastructure.

On 25 October 2004, the MHFCS Core system was formally accepted from the Contractor, Boeing Australia. Acceptance marked the inception of the Defence Communications Station (DEFCOMMSTA Australia), with the Officer In Charge DEFCOMMSTA Australia now responsible for the day to day management of the system.

Receive Site building at Morundah

DEFCOMMSTA Australia is managed by Defence uniformed personnel and operated by a combination of Defence uniformed personnel from the RAN and RAAF, supplemented by a smaller number of Boeing operators. The MHFCS is wholly supported and maintained by Boeing Australia technical staff, including three technical staff at each of the nodes.

Mobiles and MHFCS Final System

Chinooks

The MHFCS Final will build on the MHFCS Core, providing a contractual binding area of coverage on and over continental

Australia and offshore to at least 2,000 nautical miles. MHFCS Final is an upgrade to the MHFCS Core system, which significantly improves the automation of functions in the fixed network through the introduction of Automatic Link Establishment, Automatic Link Maintenance, and Automatic Call Maintenance. MHFCS Final is also intended to deliver enhanced services over HF that include e-mail, interactive services, facsimile and file transfer.

Black Hawk

A major improvement at MHFCS Final will be delivery of enhanced HF capabilities to Mobiles platforms, including automation and relay capability for mobile-to-mobile users via the Fixed Network. The automation intended for introduction to the Fixed Network and Modified Mobiles at MHFCS Final will substantially reduce the manual effort involved in delivering HF communications.

The following Mobile upgrades will be conducted:

Armidale Class Patrol Boat

• Defence Force School of Signals x 3;
• Deployable Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Headquarters x 3;
• CH-47D Chinook Helicopters x 6;
• 1CCS x 4 / Army Strategic HF x 14 (Total x 18);
• S70-9-A Black Hawk Helicopters x 34;
• Mine Hunter coastal Ships x 6 (plus the shore based Reference Set);
• Armidale Class Patrol Boats x 12 (possibly 14); and
• Hydrographic Ships x 2.

Project Office Contacts

TOP

Mr Andrew Schmidt
Director High Frequency Modernisation Project
Department of Defence
Russell Offices
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6266 4325
Fax: (02) 6266 4330
E-mail: andrew.schmidt@defence.gov.au

Prime Contractor Contacts

BOEING AUSTRALIA LIMITED
363 Adelaide Street
GPO Box 767
Brisbane QLD 4001
Mr. Mike Scott
Program Director
Tel: (07) 3306 3796 Fax: (07) 3306 3115
E-mail: michael.r.scott@boeing.com
WEB:
http://www.boeingaustralia.com.au/ViewContent.do?id=34523&aContent=HFMod%20(JP%202043)

Last updated: 8 January 2009