Media Release

COLLINS SUBMARINES PROGRESS REPORT

Testing of new systems is underway. When fitted these will bring two Collins Class submarines to a minimum level of operational capability.

Changes have already brought an improvement in engine reliability, the Head of the Submarine Capability Team, Rear Admiral Peter Briggs, said today.

In the second of his regular updates on the project, RADM Briggs said activities since his last briefing on July 23 had focussed on changes to the engine, noise signature and submarine casing, and combat system.

“We're seeing an improvement in reliability of the engines as the combined change of fuel filter modifications and operating procedures start to take effect,” he said.

“Modelling of the engine by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has produced a revised running speed which has been successfully trialled in one boat and led to modification of the other two currently in service, HMA Submarines FARNCOMB and WALLER.

“However further trials are required and we're not 'out of the woods' yet.”

In terms of improving the process of bringing the new submarines on line, RADM Briggs said that his team had identified issues necessary to fast track HMA Submarines DECHAINEUX and SHEEAN (Boats 4 and 5 in the Collins Class production line).

“The augmentation of the combat system is proceeding to plan and a US Navy-sourced system will be installed in COLLINS for early trials, to maintain the fast track momentum,” he said.

“And, in the longer term, we are considering options for replacing the original combat system.”

Admiral Briggs said trials of the changes to the submarine casing – expected to reduce the submarines' noise signature – are underway in the first of class, HMAS COLLINS.

“The results are not in yet, but we expect these, together with changes to the fin and to the propeller, to produce a significant reduction in the noise signature of the new boats, based on tank testing at DSTO and in the United States,” he said.

RADM Briggs described noise signature rectification work in submarines to be an 'evolving process'.

“We will reach a point where the noise signature is acceptable for current operational situation,” he said, “but we are unlikely ever to close the books on trying to improve it.”

RADM Briggs believes the fast track target of two operational submarines by December next year is achievable.

“It will take a major effort from all concerned,” he warned.

“The longer term fixes require refit work to submarines and options will be included in the recommendations to Government in the September 30 Report. A timetable to achieve this position will depend upon which of the recommended solutions are accepted by Government”.

RADM Briggs said submarine manning was a high priority with a number of initiatives being implemented including a RAN trials crew formation, establishing shore positions for shore relief and changing from a two to three watch regime to address the heavy workloads of the Collins Class crews.

He said that increased recruiting and an intensive training regime including a greater use of simulators was required to achieve the correct number of qualified submarine personnel needed to man the submarines to meet future capability requirements.

Further information:

Colin Blair 02 6265 1807

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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