Improve mission capabilities on the bridge
Small to medium-sized surface combatants, such as patrol boats, interceptors and offshore patrol vessels, are often employed for a variety of missions. These can include search and rescue, surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and maritime interdiction along the coastline or within the Exclusive Economic Zone.
These vessels must navigate challenging sea areas while being aware of seabed structures and maritime traffic, including fishing boats passing by within the limits of the closest point of approach. They also need to identify suspicious objects, such as speedboats on the horizon, plot a course to intercept them, and communicate with other naval forces.
In such scenarios, naval crews require reliable information and an immediate, comprehensive picture of the maritime situation. Rapid decision-making is critical for both safety and mission success.
What makes SYNTACS so intelligent?
SYNTACS is a modular command and control system and integrated with Anschütz's bridge navigation systems. The result is an efficient, tailored mission solution for the specific requirements of each navy or coast guard. Operators have full access to navigation, maritime situational awareness and comprehensive command of the scene from multifunctional workstations.
The system is based on standardised, off-the-shelf marine computers. Its functionality is defined solely by software, allowing for adaptation to changing requirements at any time.
At the heart of SYNTACS is Anschütz's Bridge Integration Platform (BIP), which serves as the data distribution system and establishes a common consistent reference system for the naval navigation and mission systems. The BIP monitors system functions and provides centralised management of data, targets and alarms for the integrated solution. It also facilitates the addition of sensors and effectors to perform mission-related tasks within the native SYNTACS application.
SYNTACS adds advanced tactical target management to the system, analysing and correlating data from multiple onboard navigation or surveillance systems. It also compiles a comprehensive common operating picture, providing operators with a clear dashboard for tactical navigation, mission planning and execution, and basic combat.
Capabilities for patrol and interceptor vessels include:
- Solid-state radar for surveillance and navigation (type-approved)
- Defined alert and protection zones with integrated intercept capability
- Seamlessly integrated electro-optical system for identification, surveillance and effector control
- Integration and engagement of self-contained weapon systems
- Data links to share tracks, targets and a common operating picture
- Modules for mission management, mission data collection or search and rescue
Expanding ship-to-shore capability and other missions
Current developments enable the remote control of patrol boats from shore, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the surveillance of coastal areas and critical infrastructure. Anschütz's Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and radar applications facilitate remote navigation of the vessels, while SYNTACS supports mission-specific tasks and control of sensors and actuators. In dedicated shore stations, workstations can analyse the data and targets received from the boats via integrated data links and then compile a complete real-time situational picture.
For ships engaged in specialised missions, such as mine hunting, SYNTACS can incorporate tailor-made mission modules that enhance operational safety and efficiency compared to conventional approaches. The SYNTACS Mine Countermeasure (MCM) solution includes an advanced mine-hunting sonar and the MCM module, allowing for search areas and routes to be planned and assigned individually or based on predefined patterns. The MCM solution features both surface and subsurface object tracking and classification capabilities in accordance with MIL-STD-2525. Objects and their exact position are integrated into the common operating picture and shared with other operators in real time.
Efficient and proven system design
Unlike conventional systems that often rely on navigation and combat systems, sensors and actuators from different vendors, SYNTACS provides all these capabilities in one integrated package. This saves space in the wheelhouse, simplifies installation, maintenance and crew training, and reduces the associated risks during shipyard operations.
Dozens of patrol boats and interceptor vessels are already equipped with SYNTACS. For the HSI32 high-speed interceptors built by the French shipyard CMN NAVAL, Anschütz serves as the combat system integrator and supplier. In addition, Anschütz offers a wide range of after-sales services and customised in-service support agreements to end customers. This ensures sustainable, durable performance with maximum operational readiness for all delivered systems.