New mast for HMAS Stuart
2 August 22
HMAS Stuart now has a new mast as part of the Anzac class frigate’s mid-life capability upgrade (AMCAP).
The mast incorporates technologies designed to provide improved detection, classification and identification of air contacts with a greater level of overall management, support and reliability. The replacement mast is taller and wider than the old mast so that it can accommodate the new CEA L-Band radar system, while retaining the Anti-Ship Missile Defence radar capability.
Weighing 31 tonnes, the mast was lifted by a team of crane operators, riggers, fitters, superintendents, and a mechanical supervisor, with the operation taking less than a day to complete. It will now take around a month to complete the installation.
HMAS Stuart docked at BAE Systems Henderson facility in April 2021 for her upgrade.
BAE Systems has around four hundred people supporting AMCAP through the WAMA and around 250 Australian suppliers are currently supporting the program.
“The design, manufacture and integration of the mast on HMAS Stuart demonstrates another successful milestone delivered under the AMCAP program, and the continued development of sustainment capability to support the Royal Australian Navy,” BAE Systems Australia Luke Simmons said.
Source: ADM