Thales Integrated Mast completes FAT

Thales’ first Integrated Mast IM400 has successfully completed a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) conducted on behalf of the Netherlands’ Defence Materiel Organisation and the Royal Netherlands Navy.

The IMast400 is a central-mast structure that incorporates radar, optronic, and communication sensors and antennas including associated processing cabinets.

The integrated mast is designed to overcome the naval platform’s sensor problems, which involve more than 50 antennas for surveillance, communications, fire control and navigation.

The mast was delivered to Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding following the FAT and was integrated into the first Holland-class patrol vessel.

The second IM400 is currently under construction and is scheduled for installation on the second Patrol Ship, Zeeland, in early 2013.