Supporting our Navy for more than 30 years
We began our support for the Collins-class submarine periscope systems in 1988 with an 11-year manufacturing and build program for the Collins-class attack and search periscope systems.
We have delivered several upgrades, the most significant being the mid-life digitisation upgrade that was introduced into service in 2016.
We have also provided in-service support for these periscope systems since the first submarine, HMAS Collins, was commissioned in July 1996. The most recent periscope support contract started in 2015.
We operate two dedicated, purpose-built periscope workshop facilities. One is located in Western Australia and the other is our owned-and-operated facility in South Australia.
The assembly, integration and test of the original periscope systems were conducted at our South Australian facility.
During the build phase of the periscope, we used our local manufacture of optics, electronics, cables and mechanical parts, in collaboration with our supply chain, to achieve up to 80% Australian industry content.
The knowledge from the in-service support contract enabled us to develop a local and global supply chain network, delivering sovereign capability to support the Navy defend Australia and its national interests.
Periscope system sustainment
Our periscope in-service support is delivered through a multitude of services, including:
- Program and subcontractor management
- Maintenance management and planning
- Engineering
- Inventory management
- Integrated logistics support
- Asset management
- Continuous supportability assessment, tracking, repair and modifications
We provide full re-certification of each periscope system every seven years.
Operational support and training
We provide on-board support for the Navy's submarines in both South Australia and Western Australia. The Collins-class submarine periscope systems are supported both interstate and overseas on an as-required basis.
We designed and built a dedicated periscope training system for end-user familiarisation and training on periscope systems, and continue to explore future training capabilities with innovative technologies, including virtual reality.