area. Te new module is also being used as an engine to run third-party CAD/CAC algorithms, such as those developed by the US Navy. PATT allows users to add synthetic but highly realis-
tic images of objects to real mission data, providing a clear understanding of the actual performance of the MCM system and sensors in use. ATR algorithms, MCM systems and operators can utilise PATT to train and to analyse performance and segment the mission area in a visual layer that is based upon the region’s seafloor complexity.
Frigates & destroyers Tods sonar domes
for Aussie destroyers Composite materials specialists Tods Defence have secured an order for three bow sonar domes for the Royal Australian Navy’s new Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs, or Hobart class) which are due to start coming into service from 2013/14. The class is a derivative of the Spanish F105
design and is being developed by the Air Warfare Alliance comprising the Defence Material Organisa- tion, Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and Raytheon Australia. It will be built at a new facility adjacent to the ASC facilities in Adelaide. Te design and build contract for Tods Defence is part
of a continuing partnership with the Australian naval industry, with each of the new units being produced in the UK to coincide with the ship build programme.
Aircraft carriers
Milestone for aircraft carrier weapons handling
A key component of the highly mechanised weapons handling system (HMWHS) for the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraſt carriers, designed and being delivered by Babcock, has successfully completed factory acceptance testing (FAT), marking a significant milestone in the programme. Te HMWHS provides mechanical handling facili-
ties for moving palletised munitions around the deep magazine and weapon preparation areas, and a series of weapons lifts to connect the magazines, hangar, weapons preparation area, and flight deck. Te components in question are 56 so-called ‘moles’,
which do the lifting and carrying of the palletised munitions in the magazine. The HMWHS system consists of a network of two versions of these prime movers, which traverse forward and aft (longitudi-
Warship Technology March 2011
nal, version one) or port and starboard (athwartships, version two), each able to lift and move a payload to locations within its predefined area of travel. Te moles can transfer payloads between each other, so the payloads can be located anywhere within the magazine. Te two mole versions are different shapes to enable
liſting and lowering of the palletised munitions in the correct orientation, onto the set stowage and transfer positions, and are equipped with electric traverse and liſt drives, allowing accurate positional control within the magazine. A number of liſts provide interconnec- tion between the magazines and the hangar, weapons preparation area, and flight deck, and a unique mechanism enables the mole to access the liſt platform without needing to disengage and re-engage the pinion from the rack. Te magazines are unmanned, with all the moles controlled from a central location, so personnel are required only where munitions are being prepared for storage or use. A significant challenge in manufacturing the moles
has been the achievement of the tight tolerances introduced following completion of the demonstration phase, to speed up assembly. Factory acceptance testing took place at Babcock’s
site at Whetstone, Leicester, and included dimensional and functional tests and inspections of the parts and mole drive and liſting systems. Te moles have now been delivered to the Aircraſt Carrier Alliance’s central warehouse, ready for installation once the fixed rail equipment and liſts have been installed. As the moles are fully re-assembled, installation will involve placing them in the magazine and electrically connecting them to the rest of the system via an energy chain system. “Te moles are a critical component of the HMWHS
and successfully completing FATs for all moles marks an important milestone in delivery of the system,” said Babcock Integrated Techology’s director Matt Hatson. “The HMWHS is the first maritime application of shore-based commercial warehousing processes using automated systems with all-electric control, adapted for safe transport and stowage of munitions in a warship environment. Munitions can be delivered, in bulk, to the point of use at rates that could not be achieved manually, whilst minimising the manpower requirement in what is traditionally a labour-intensive process, thus delivering reduced through-life cost, as well as a saving in onboard living accommodation requirements.” Production of the final soſtware solution for the HMWHS integrated control system, and manufacture of the various mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic sub-systems making up the HMWHS are now underway, of which successful completion of FATs for all moles is part. Te final equipment for the full HMWHS for the first carrier will be delivered by May 2013, and for both vessels by February 2015. Babcock has also been active in working with
11
News
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36