Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems (“Cirrus”), Australia’s leading mission training system developer, has today announced the successful delivery of a TACEW system and further related contract awards. The Tactical Electronic Warfare (TACEW) training system has been developed by Cirrus in collaboration with RAN EW instructors to provide end to end simulation of modern naval EW suites within a tactically immersive synthetic environment. The Tactical Electronic Warfare (TACEW) training system has been developed by Cirrus in collaboration with RAN EW instructors to provide end to end simulation of modern naval EW suites within a tactically immersive synthetic environment. TACEW incorporates an Integrated Learning Management System (ILMS) that by managing training data and adminstrative functions, enables instructors’ time to focus on knowledge transfer.
Cirrus’ Managing Director, Mr Peter Freed stated “The TACEW System has been used successfully since 2019 for training the RAN’s Electronic Warfare (EW) personnel from its major fleet units (MFU’s). I am very pleased to announce that this now extends to EW training of RAN submarine personnel with the installation of a TACEW system at the RAN Submarine Training Systems Centre (STSC) at HMAS Stirling in WA, which was ordered under a previously announced contract.”
Mr. Freed further stated “I am also pleased to announce two related contract awards, with the first being for provision by Cirrus of ongoing engineering services in support of this latest TACEW installation at STSC. Under the second contract award, Cirrus will supply STSC an additional TACEW trainee workstation and integrate it to the Collins Submarine Multi-Mission Tactical Trainer (SMMTT). This will enable EW training to occur as an integral part of Collins command team training. These contracts further demonstrate that a sovereign industry capability in the development of mission training systems to support the ADF is more than an aspiration, it is an established reality.”
The Collins-class submarines are Australian-built diesel-electric submarines operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The Collins class takes its name from Australian Vice Admiral John Augustine Collins; each of the six submarines is named after significant RAN personnel who distinguished themselves in action during World War II. The six vessels were the first submarines built in Australia, prompting widespread improvements in Australian industry and delivering a sovereign (Australian controlled) sustainment/maintenance capability. The Collins class was expected to be retired about 2026, however, the 2016 Defence White Paper extended this into the 2030s. The Collins class life will now be extended and will receive an unplanned capability upgrade, including sonar and communications.