Tactical Communications For JSS

May 30, 2019 -- Leonardo DRS (Booth 1511) has announced that its Canadian subsidiary, DRS Technologies Canada Ltd (DRS TCL), will be providing tactical integrated communications systems to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ship (JSS) programme.

This subcontract, from Thales Canada, was awarded in support of the JSS total Internal Communication System contract and includes the provision of the Secure Voice and Tactical Intercommunication System, the ship’s telephone system and the main broadcast and alarm system.

In addition, DRS’s scope includes the flight deck communications system, the sound and self-powered systems and the medical communications system.

To satisfy the Canadian Navy’s Tactical and Secure Voice requirements, DRS TCL will provide its Shipboard Integrated Communications System (SHINCOM 3100) including the helicopter audio distribution system, recorder storage units, and a selection of DRS TCL’s 3D spatial audio tactical terminals and ancillaries. For external communications, the company will provide the wideband audio network data switching system for automated switching of any source to any radio.

SHINCOM 3100 is the latest generation in shipboard communications technology, which provides reliable, red/ black security-certified tactical communications for naval operators. SHINCOM was originally developed for the Canadian Patrol Frigate programme, and later installed on board the Iroquois-class destroyers and Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler ships of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The system is already installed on board the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates, and with the United States Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, and the Republic of Korea Navy.

For JSS, DRS TCL will produce two shipsets, the first of which will be delivered in early 2020.