Anschütz has successfully passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) with its Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems (WINBSs) for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter Class Frigate Programme. This milestone confirms the maturity of the system design and marks the transition to the production and integration phase of the programme.
Anschütz press release
The CDR is a pivotal step in naval system development, validating that the design meets all technical and operational requirements. It ensures that the architecture, interfaces, safety features and integration pathways are robust and ready for implementation. For a complex and mission-critical system such as the WINBS, the CDR provides assurance to stakeholders that the system will perform reliably in demanding operational environments.
Anschütz is delivering the WINBS under a contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, the prime contractor for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. Close collaboration with the company and local partners has been instrumental in achieving this milestone and ensuring alignment with programme requirements.
Successful integration of Aegis Combat Management System
A key feature of Anschütz’s WINBS for the Hunter class is its integration with the Aegis combat system. This integration enables seamless distribution of validated navigational data across the ship, supporting tactical decision making and enhancing situational awareness. The interface between navigation and combat systems is essential for modern naval operations, where real-time data fusion and system interoperability are critical.
Advanced naval navigation systems
The WINBS comprises several core components tailored to the needs of the Royal Australian Navy, including advanced naval radar systems that combine navigational and tactical capabilities. Multifunctional consoles allow officers to access a consistent maritime picture and comprehensive navigational functions from any location on the bridge or in the operations room.
Built on a sensor-agnostic, software-defined architecture, the WINBS is designed for use within shared computing environments and network infrastructures. It supports flexible integration of customer-specific sensors and systems, ensuring adaptability to mission requirements and fleet commonality. The system’s intuitive user interfaces and consistent data presentation enhance usability, while built-in redundancies and secure data handling contribute to operational safety and resilience.
Proven naval capabilities
Anschütz’s role in the Hunter Class Frigate Program builds on its proven track record in delivering advanced navigation and bridge systems for naval platforms worldwide. The company is also supplying WINBSs for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, as well as systems for the German Navy’s F125 and K130 classes and the Brazilian Navy’s Tamandaré class. These programmes demonstrate Anschütz’s capability to deliver scalable, sustainable and combat-proven solutions for modern surface combatants.
Localised support: Anschuetz Australia Pty Ltd
In support of the Hunter Class Frigate Programme and our long-term commitment to Australia, Anschütz has established Anschuetz Australia Pty Ltd, a dedicated local subsidiary. This strategic investment strengthens the company’s presence in the region and enables closer cooperation with Australian industry.
Through partnerships, technology transfer and local engineering expertise, Anschütz is contributing to sovereign capability and supporting the national shipbuilding enterprise. A substantial portion of the contract value will flow through to Australian companies, reinforcing the local defence supply chain and ensuring long-term support for the Royal Australian Navy.
With the successful completion of the CDR and the establishment of Anschuetz Australia Pty Ltd, the company is now preparing for the next phase of the programme. Anschütz remains committed to delivering a world-class navigation solution that enhances operational capability, safety and interoperability for the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet.