NEWS
inspection and break tests. Te next validation phase will address repeatability and numerous variables found in real world ship repair environments. “SUPSALV has been pressing the hyperbaric
aluminum technology alone for several years now on a very modest budget,” said Dean. “Te latest feasibility results are beginning to show real promise for success- fully completing a NAVSEA-approved procedure.”
Submarines Vigilant overhaul nears
completion Te Long Overhaul Period (Refuel) (LOP(R)) on HMS Vigilant – the third Vanguard class ballis- tic missile submarine (SSBN) refit and refuel to be undertaken by Babcock – is approaching the end of nearly three-and-a-half years’ work at Devonport Royal Dockyard, following successful completion of a formal Pre-Sea Trials Inspection, which recognised the project’s ‘commendable performance’. A key feature of the over £300 million (US$483.5
million) LOP(R), which has represented five years of activity including the planning phase, has been the successful implementation of new ways of working, designed to assure programme delivery, ensure product quality and maximise the submarine’s operational capability. A ground-breaking contrac- tual arrangement between Babcock and the MoD has supported close co-operation and joint working, greater
transparency of information, focused
attention on cost reduction while improving safety and quality standards, and incentivised achievement of the agreed schedule. In addition to the new partnering approach, the
LOP(R) has included a number of ‘firsts’, including the installation and commissioning of the Combined Oxygen Generation System, and a modification to
the control rod drive mechanisms to further improve nuclear safety for the platform during maintenance periods. Babcock has also undertaken structural survey work with a first-of-class use of leading-edge ultrasonic (phased array and time of flight diffraction) techniques to validate the hull for the submarine’s next commission. Some 200 design alterations and additions (A&As)
and class modifications have been incorporated in the LOP(R). Significant changes have included an upgrade to the latest reactor core as used in Astute class submarines (fuelling the submarine for life), installation of improved chilled water plants and system, and a large number of upgrades to the tactical and strategic weapons systems, including sonar 2054 inboard replacement and subsequent integration. Additionally, upgrades to the accommodation and mess areas have provided an opportunity to incorpo- rate a state of the art entertainment system. This major project has involved more than 2.3
million man hours, more than 2000 people, and more than 80 subcontracting companies. Some 26,000 items of equipment have been removed from the submarine and overhauled. More than 6500 welds have been completed on board, of varying types from replace- ment of pressure hull plating to reactor primary circuit pipework. 32,000 litres of paint have been applied to the submarine, and some 400 systems have been tested by the Babcock commissioning teams. HMS Vigilant arrived in Devonport in autumn
2008. Refuelling was completed in November 2010 and flood-up in June 2011 aſter successful completion of steam machinery trials in dry dock. Power Range Testing (PRT), where the new core achieves criticality for the first time, generating ‘nuclear steam’ to prove the propulsion plant and supporting sub-systems, is currently in progress. HMS Vigilant was due to depart from Devonport for
sea trials before officially returning to the fleet. Babcock and the MoD will be providing on-going support to the post-LOP(R) trials at sea and alongside at Faslane.
Equipment & technology SEA teams up for sub
comms project Babcock and Systems Engineering and Assessment (SEA) have set up a teaming agreement to bid for the planned Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP) for the future Vanguard Replacement Programme (VRP) Submarine Communications Buoy (SCB). Te UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is planning a
The LOP (R) for HMS Vigilant is approaching completion.
14
programme to develop a towed SCB system for the future SSBN (similar to that used on the Vanguard class) to meet the future communication require- ments of this new platform. A TDP is planned as a precursor to the system, and an invitation to tender
Warship Technology May 2012
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