Thales Australia has selected Rockwell Collins to modernise the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Hawkei protected mobility vehicle-light system.
Under the terms of the deal, Rockwell Collins will operate as a subcontractor to Thales Australia and be responsible for integrating the digital terminal control system (DTCS) into the Hawkei's integral computing system (ICS).
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The DTCS facilitates the joint terminal attack controllers and joint fires observers to integrate easily with airborne assets, artillery and naval platforms.
Being a flexible, wearable solution for ground targeting, air support and call-for-fire missions, the DTCS can be incorporated on tanks and combat vehicles.
The integration of vehicles allows a soldier to leverage more capable sensors and communication systems that are organic to the vehicle.
Rockwell Collins Australia managing director Nick Gibbs said: “The collaborative relationship that our company has with the ADF has provided a foundation for the delivery of reliable joint fires solutions under the Land 17 programme.”
As part of the deal, Rockwell Collins will also assist Thales Australia during the development, integration and testing of the DTCS.
Work under the contract, which commenced in January, will be carried out in Sydney, Australia, until February 2018.
The Hawkei is a highly protected, 7t vehicle equipped with in-built systems that allow it to be used as a fighting platform.
It has been developed to meet the ADF’s requirement for a light armoured patrol vehicle, which will replace some of the force’s Land Rover Perentie variants.
