ATSA has successfully supported installation of the
Serial Depth card modification concluding with sea trials conducted in HMAS
DIAMANTINA in Jervis Bay in September 2009.
The Serial Depth card modification was developed as a
result of ATSA Research and Development (R&D) activity which investigated
observations of poor tracking of the Double Eagle Mark II Mine Disposal
Vehicle. A series of trials directed by ATSA showed that tracing performance
could be improved, particularly in difficult shallow water conditions, if the
depth of the MDV was accurately provided to the tracking system. The Serial
Depth card was developed to implement a new interface in the MHC Combat System
to provide depth information directly from the Mine Disposal Vehicle to the
tracking system. The First of Type trial conducted at Jervis Bay in September
confirmed satisfactory implementation of this modification.
ATSA's Engineering Director, Darren Burrowes,
commented that the investigation was a classic systems engineering problem, "Several
systems were involved in the overall performance and extensive sea trials and
analysis were required to determine the root cause of the problem which was not
immediately obvious". We were very pleased to complete the First of Type trial
and bring this R&D effort to a successful completion.
ATSA Serial Depth Interface Card Part Number: 000964
