Rohde & Schwarz signed a contract with NTT Communications Co., Ltd.to provide a state-of-the-art IP-based, high quality and reliable maritime integrated communications system for the Philippine Coast Guard. The system, called NAVICS®, will be integrated into two 94 meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV) for the Philippine Coast Guard. The ships will be constructed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. with completion of work and delivery scheduled for 2022.The MRRVs will be financed by the Japanese government, corresponding to Phase II of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

Rohde & Schwarz will enhance situation awareness and improve incident reporting with dedicated data communications capabilities, including R&S Postman, a message handling solution, with Map Track, a blue force tracking functionality. This will enable the ship’s crew to effectively exchange information (voice and data) with the fleet, shore stations, other joint forces and governmental authorities. The system ensures a security architecture that allows secure, trusted and tamper-proof communications, i.e. third parties will not be able to interfere with information exchange.

“We are very proud to have been selected by the Philippine Coast Guard, MSB Shipyard together with NTT Communications for this important program,” said Jacques Jourda, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Japan. “Rohde & Schwarz has provided more than 300 ship platforms with state-of-the-art communications technology. We make sure that we deliver a safe, future-ready investment for our maritime customers on time and on budget.”

In addition to external Line-of-Sight (V/UHF) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (HF) communications, the system will provide onboard communications with smartphone-like intuitive handling. The compact Wi-Fi based wireless voice terminals provide a unique benefit of uninterrupted, high-quality communication while on the move.

Source: navalnews