The Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer Program is charged with delivering an affordable, effective, flexible and sustainable Air Warfare Destroyer capability for the security of Australia.

Australia’s AWDs will provide air defence for ships, land forces and infrastructure.

The Hobart Class Combat System, centred on the Aegis Weapon System, in conjunction with the SM-2 Surface-to-Air Missile, will provide the AWDs with an advanced air defence system capable of defeating enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres. They will also be equipped with the SM-6 Long-Range Anti-Aircraft Missile, the most advanced weapon of its type, with a range of more than 370 kilometres.

In addition, the AWDs’ surface warfare function will include long range anti-ship missiles and a naval gun capable of firing extended range munitions to support land forces.

Equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys and surface-launched torpedoes, the AWDs will have undersea warfare capabilities and will be aided by embarked helicopters tasked with providing surveillance and response support.

Raytheon Australia’s role in the AWD Program

As the AWD Mission Systems Integrator Raytheon Australia is:

  • Integrating the non-Aegis elements of the Hobart Class Combat System and conducting combat system trade studies;
  • Developing the design of the complete Hobart Class Combat System with the Commonwealth, USN and its Aegis Weapon System Engineering Agent;
  • Developing complete ship and Integrated Support Systems with the Platform System Designer and Shipbuilder; and
  • Developing project management and systems engineering structures and delivering mission systems integration.

In addition, across the life of the program Raytheon Australia will continue to demonstrate its commitment to developing the Australian skills base and to ensuring opportunities for Australian industry relating to the non-Aegis elements of the Hobart Class Combat System.

Reachback
Raytheon Australia’s parent company in the US, Raytheon Company, is a proven leader in innovative technologies and has a strong record of naval mission systems integration including:

  • Electronic and weapons systems integration for the US Navy’s DDG 1000 program;
  • Whole of ship systems integration for the US Navy’s LPD-17 program; and
  • Industry lead for warfare systems integration on the USN’s next generation of aircraft carrier (CVN-78).

The term ‘Reachback’ describes our ability to tap into and leverage the great depth of engineering expertise that is resident throughout Raytheon.

The benefits of ‘Reachback’ were first demonstrated in work on the Collins Class submarines and it is currently being utilised
in execution of the AWD program.

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