BMT and Boeing demonstrate mature maritime network prototype

Boeing and its maritime engineering partner, BMT have successfully tested an Australian-developed maritime communications system that will enhance Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) major fleet unit connectivity and advance joint force capabilities.

The Maritime Warfighter Network is an evolution of Boeing’s proven Integrated Battlespace Telecommunications Network (I-BTN), which has been adapted to meet the unique operational and seaworthiness requirements of the RAN.

“Together, we demonstrated the system’s high-level technical and operational capabilities, designed to provide scalable, distributed data services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF),” said Murray Brabrook, director Joint Systems, Boeing Defence Australia. “The maturity of our technology will ensure the shortest path to a minimal viable product and provide sovereign control to evolve the network in line with Navy’s emerging needs.”

During the test, the team validated its networking and management software, incorporating meshed broadband line-of-sight radios and wired and wireless shore connectivity, known as NINShore.

It also demonstrated task group, joint, and strategic connectivity and resilience using multiple platform bearers; a key requirement of the ADF’s Joint Black Core Network.

“Boeing’s I-BTN has been in service with the ADF for the past five years, offering Navy a low-risk path to joint, allied and coalition interoperability,” said Brabrook. “Rapid test and integration activities are key to our proven execution strategy, lowering technical risk and accelerating deployed combat-ready capability.”  

As part of system evolution, BMT is leveraging its naval expertise to provide valuable operator feedback and assess hardware suitability for the maritime environment.

“Having supported similar projects across the entire Australian naval fleet, we are experts at integrating complex systems into maritime platforms that will stand up to the rigours of sea deployment,” said Graeme Nayler, Regional Business director, APAC, BMT.

“Our work in supporting the capability lifecycle and managing system integration across the maritime domain is absolutely critical to ensuring we provide a resilient, evolvable communications system that supports the Navy’s ability to maintain a warfighting edge."

Further test and integration events are planned for 2023 to mature and de-risk the system, as well as assure simultaneous interoperability with legacy, coalition, allied, joint and at-sea experimentation networks.

Boeing in Australia
After more than 96 years, Boeing Australia is the leading aerospace company in the region. Our 4800 employees work across the broadest aerospace portfolio in Australia, including advanced manufacturing, defence, services, and research and development. We have a thriving Australian supply chain that supports our operations, and we're proud to partner with great organisations that support veterans, STEM and the communities we live and work in. As we look to the future, Boeing Australia is committed to advancing economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Learn more at www.boeing.com.au.

BMT
BMT is a leading international design, engineering, science, and risk management consultancy with a reputation for excellence. We're driven by a belief that things can always be better, safer, greener, and more efficient. We provide our customers with the capability, capacity, and confidence to enable them to make the right decisions at the right time by drawing upon the expertise of over 1,300 professionals located in UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australasia, and the Americas. Delivering independent, complex design and consultancy capabilities for over 37 years, we pride ourselves on being equipped to support our customers to tackle the most complex design and systems issues, and challenges, which enables the industry to deliver safer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient shipping for the future. We draw upon a wide range of experience and expertise to provide high-quality, high value products and services across the maritime sector. The group's assets are held in beneficial ownership for its employees www.bmt.org