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HMAS
Labuan was recently used to test DSTO laser warning systems.
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Laser
threat systems have been put to the test in a series of DSTO experiments.
HMAS Labuan and the Thursday Island shark cat Malu Biazam have
been involved in DSTO experiments testing ADF and international
laser threat systems against a variety of laser warning sensors
in the tropical littoral environment.
The tests have been conducted on behalf of Navy’s DNC4ISREW.
According to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s
Dr Olivia Samardzic, the data collected will lead to more informed
decisions about which systems will be bought in the future and
improvements in the current capability.
“In the past we’ve bought different missile approach and laser
warning systems without ever having the chance to really evaluate
them and we’ve always done the fix-up work afterward,” Dr Samardzic
said.
“For once, we have been able to do some evaluation prior to there
being a large investment.
The DSTO trial took place at Cowley Beach Training Range, not
far from Cairns, from June 28 to July 2.
The location was specifically chosen to provide realistic amphibious
landing conditions in the type of environment that the ADF would
typically be faced with.
Laser threats situated on the shore were fired at laser warning
sensors onboard HMAS Labuan, while Malu Biazam acted as the target
ship for all the off-axis measurements.
Dr Samardzic said the sea experiment went very well, despite constant
rain and needing to clear a 40km sea corridor for laser safety
purposes.
The sensors used onboard HMAS Labuan to pick up the laser threats
included some specific ship-based receivers for far off access
detection.
“These go way past the actual area the ship is in and gives a
broader situational awareness,” Dr Samardzic said.
