Platform data systems on UK’s Type 23 frigates upgraded

UK-based electronics company Ultra has conducted a successful update of the platform data management (PDM) for the Type 23 Royal Navy frigates.

As explained, the updated PDM system provides navigation and mission-critical data from sensors to numerous systems around the ship. Furthermore, the system upgrade has been designed to provide optimal performance to meet with modern Geospatial and Temporal Reference Standards and the flexibility to accommodate new and legacy interfaces, with minimal disruption to the ship’s infrastructure and cabling.

“This new system update will use modern technology and techniques to improve performance, reliability and resilience; address obsolescence; and ease installation and maintenance,” said Bernard Mills, president of Ultra Sonar Systems.

The upgrade uses modern network technology to provide low latency and timely data to the remote systems distributed around the ship, while also providing integration paths with modern Digital Compasses, Sensors and Combat System Networks.

It enables a path for upgrading interfaces, while still supporting retained legacy interfaces where required, which will reduce technical risk, prolong the longevity of the platform and lower through life in-service costs for supporting obsolescent analogue interfaces, such as Synchro technology.

What is more, the upgrade allows PDM to continue to provide the data distribution service in support of Royal Navy Type 23 life extensions (LIFEX) and can readily apply to other naval platforms and data distribution systems, both for the Royal Navy and export markets.