Collins Class Submarine Program

There are a number of projects being delivered under the Collins Class Submarine Program. 

Life of Type Extension

Project number: SEA1450 Phase 1

The Life of Type Extension project is one part of the long-term plan to assure an enduring, potent and credible submarine capability. When integrated with effective ongoing sustainment and selected capability enhancements, the Collins Class can be extended by a 10-year operating cycle per platform. 

The Life of Type Extension project is scoped to remediate a number of the highest technical risks to successful life extension.

Communications and Electronic Warfare Improvement

Project number: SEA1439 Phase 5B2.

This project will acquire a Modernised Submarine Communications System for the Collins Class submarines. 

  • Stage 1 of the project delivers a modernised submarine communications centre to resolve major system obsolescence, and an upgrade to the microwave electronic warfare system. 
  • Stage 2 of the project will deliver significant communications capability improvements including wideband satellite communications and onboard ICT networks.

Sonar Capability Assurance Project

Project number: SEA 1439 Phase 6.

This project will upgrade the sonar systems in the Collins Class submarines, addressing obsolescence and delivering capability assurance until planned withdrawal of the Collins Class submarines. 

  • Tranche 1 will deliver high priority upgrades to sonar sensors, including the bow mounted cylindrical array and flank arrays, and related signal processing and display electronics. 
  • Tranche 2 will deliver further sonar capability upgrades and an ongoing sonar capability assurance program.

Sustainment     

Project number: CN10

CN10 manages:

  • the sustainment of the Collins Class submarines materiel capability
  • assuring availability targets are met
  • that submarines are materially prepared (in conjunction with selected capability upgrades) to undertake scheduled operational activities
  • to assure availability of the submarine escape and rescue capability.