The German Navy’s modernization efforts for its Brandenburg-class frigates have hit a surprising snag – the outdated data acquisition system still relies on 8-inch floppy disks.
Cromemco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Brandenburg-class, also known as the F123-class, consists of four frigates commissioned between 1994 and 1996. These 138-meter vessels were originally tasked with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) but also contribute to local air defense, tactical command, and surface-to-surface warfare. These vessels carry a primarily anti-submarine warfare (ASW) armament, including torpedoes, a helicopter deck, and a powerful sonar suite. They are currently the mainstay of the German surface fleet alongside the newer F124 Sachsen-class frigates.
In 2021, the German Navy initiated a comprehensive modernization program for the F123 frigates. The focus lies on upgrading weapon systems and control functionalities, with Saab acting as the lead contractor. This project aims to extend the operational life of the frigates until the next-generation F126 class enters service.
While weapon technology receives a modern overhaul, a significant portion of the existing operational technology will be retained. Herein lies the unexpected challenge: the critical data acquisition system, responsible for controlling core functions like propulsion and power generation, still relies on antiquated 8-inch floppy disks.
Recognizing the incompatibility of modern systems with these legacy floppy drives, the German Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has issued a unique tender. They seek a solution through the development and integration of an emulator storage system. This system must be compatible with the three-decade-old floppy disk technology and seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure while replicating the functionality of the original drives. Essentially, the new system needs to act as a digital bridge between the legacy technology and the demands of modern operations.
The modernization of the F123 frigates serves as a stopgap measure while the German Navy awaits the arrival of the F126 class. The keel-laying ceremony for the first of these new frigates, designed from the ground up with modern technology, took place in June 2024.
For more information, hit the Source below