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Integrated masts
Over the years, naval architects have utilised various mast types, but the latest fashion is integrated masts. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, they reduce clutter by eliminating dozens of separate antennas, and integrating the usual naval fare of radars, communications, navigation, identification friend or foe (IFF), fire control and electronic warfare systems.
Sensors in integrated masts offer higher operational availability since sensitive components are protected from harsh maritime environments, and maintenance can be carried out at sea. Other significant advantages are savings in below-deck space, reduced topside weight for better ship stability, and greater flexibility/upgradability.
Although a covered mast might weigh more than a lattice mast, for example, it produces a smaller radar cross-section, suffers less vibration and can carry heavier loads. Myriad protrusions and antennas are a delight for enemy radars, but an enclosed mast’s flat surfaces reduce reflective echoes.
Naturally, masts must be structurally integrated to endure static and dynamic loads as a ship moves through heavy seas. Naval designers must also consider the position, for it impacts stability, air resistance and topside electromagnetic environment, plus mast sensors can be affected by heat plumes from funnels. Yet sensors must be able to “see” through a mast’s panel structure. For example, the bottom half of the Advanced Enclosed Mast/Sensor (AEM/S) of the LPD USS San Antonio is sheathed in a balsa core, while the top half is a sandwiched foam core and structural laminates.
The Republic of Singapore Navy operates eight 1,200-tonne Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels that boast Saab’s SLIM. Credit: Gordon Arthur
Integrated masts help deconflict electromagnetic and line-of-sight obstructions. Placed high inside a mast, layered sensors and antennas with clear fields of view and reduced electromagnetic friction operate more efficiently. Clustered omnidirectional and directional antennas simultaneously transmitting and receiving in different wavelength spectrums place demands, but the aim is to achieve minimal performance degradation of each sensor and antenna.
As an example, Thales Nederland created its Integrated Mast (I-Mast) family with four deck levels – top deck, upper and lower antenna decks, and equipment deck – while a shielded duct routes cables and cooling circuits through the centre of the airtight mast. I-Masts are fitted to Royal Netherlands Navy Holland-class OPVs, for instance.