News
Today, mine countermeasures is typically
performed by dedicated minehunters, thus exposing
the crew of the vessels to danger due to the simple
fact that these vessels operate in known minefields.
With many navies expected to renew their MCM
systems over the coming decade, DCNS, Thales
and ECA have put forward a joint solution using an
unmanned surface vehicle or ‘USV’. USVs offer the
key benefit of keeping the crew of a minehunter out
of harm’s way.
Espadon comprises a minehunter, two USVs and
autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). While
remaining at all times at a safe distance from the HMs Westminster is scheduled to leave Devonport for sea
minefield, the minehunter or similar dedicated trials in March 2010.
vessel will deploy and control the USVs. The USVs,
in turn, will deploy AUVs carrying sensors and mine
neutralisation systems. On completing their mission, rative working across the Armed Forces and Ministry
the AUVs return to the USVs and the USVs to the of Defence.
mother vessel. The large weapons package also includes a 4.5inch
In addition to acting as the lead contractor to the Mod1 gun upgrade, which sees the gun’s primary
DGA for the overall project, DCNS is responsible for power source change from hydraulic to electric
the USV platform and the interface with the mother motors, and automatic small-calibre guns. Further
vessel. Thales is responsible for the USV, MCM enhancements will include an upgrade of Sonar
outfitting and the sensor module, comprising an 2087, as well as NATO radial filters to protect fresh
AUV and a towed sonar for mine detection, identi- air supplies from contamination, and the Nuclear
fication and location. Thales is also responsible for Biological Chemical Defence Incident Surveil-
communications between the different components. lance System (NBCDISS); a sophisticated incident
ECA is responsible for the design and development detection system.
of the autonomous underwater vehicles, the AUV A new transom flap is also to be fitted to increase
launch and recovery system and the USV remote fuel efficiency and endurance by harnessing previously
control system. lost energy from the propellers.
The programme also includes planned mainte-
nance derived from the ship’s Unit Maintenance
Repair/Modernisation Management System (UMMS), which provides a
Westminster in for
structured methodology to deliver effective mainte-
nance strategies or reliability centred maintenance in
major upgrades
the maritime environment, as well as defect rectifica-
tion and habitability improvements. Part of the defect
Portsmouth, UK-based Type 23 frigate HMS rectification package includes replacement of the port
Westminster is to receive a number of important gearbox mainwheel to overcome a power restriction
upgrades and improvements that will significantly and enable the ship to operate again at full power.
increase her sustainability and fighting capability, Work is also to be undertaken to the Spey engine
during a challenging eight-month upkeep period by inter ducts, as well as upkeep by exchange (UxE) of
Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard which started the intermediate and tail shafts and a diesel genera-
at the end of July. The upkeep is allocated under the tor engine. A large preservation package is also to be
Surface Ship Support (SSS) Programme. undertaken.
Work on the vessel is to include a significant The project has already benefited from
package of enhancements, notably, HMS Westminster pre-planning in the preparation period. At the time
will be the first Type 23 frigate to receive two of the of writing, de-ammunition and Sonar 2087 offload
largest upgrades at the same time – the Royal Navy’s was complete, defuelling was well advanced, and
new DNA(2) Command System; and the Sea Wolf pre-refit trials on mechanical and weapons systems
mid-life update (SWMLU), comprising tracking, are going to plan. Further, the ship was docked three
guidance and weapon management upgrades, to days early, to help de-risk the programme. A good
counter evolving anti-ship missile threats. number of the tank and compartment surveys are
HMS Westminster will also receive the first full fit well advanced, and the preparation period has also
of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) seen many surveys and functional checks of the ship
(DII(F)) to enable information sharing and collabo- systems and equipments undertaken.
10 Warship Technology October 2009
p6-12_WT NEWS OCT09.indd 10 22/09/2009 10:58:39
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